Battling vs Building

by csweeney on January 23, 2012

My friend Mary posted a picture on her facebook wall a few days ago, and while it didn’t instantly resonate, here several days later now is:

I don’t know about you, but I’ve spent enough time thinking of my body as something that has conspired against me. I was thinking today about all the different attitudes I’ve had toward my body:

  • hiding it
  • being ashamed of it
  • demanding too much of it
  • totally ignoring it
  • being disgusted by it
  • being disappointed in it
  • avoiding it
  • getting back at it
  • demanding too little of it
  • strategizing against it

…as if my body was some kind of enemy to be fought at every turn with every imaginable weapon.

I’m in the process of changing this paradigm, climbing out of this rut that I’ve dwelt in for too long. My body is not my enemy; rather its a gift. A gift!! The inner workings are really nothing short of miraculous! My body is my ally and communicates with me at every turn about the best fuel for optimum performance. I have balked at what she’s been saying, and it shows. I’m going to take the advice in this image and divert my energy into more useful approaches.

Thank you God for forming my body and for how beautifully it functions to keep me alive. Teach me to listen and to not resent what I hear.

How do you treat your body in order to make it your ally? Do you grow impatient with the process and the learning curve involved with listening to what your body is saying?

 

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