The human body is one of the most beautiful things that we can see. We need to practice treating such beauty with reverence. Perhaps we’re afraid to contemplate beauty and that’s why we don’t treat our bodies and the bodies of others with respect. Thich Naht Hanh.
I would like to bring your attention on how you consider and treat your body. Are you aware that there’s no separation between mind and body? In fact, what happens in the body has an impact on the mind, and vice versa. How do you treat your body? What do you expose it to? Everything your senses come across with affects your body, and your mind. Begin by reflecting on what you eat and drink: how do you feel afterwards? Have you ever noticed that it can hugely impact your mood, your sleep, and your energy levels? Reflect on what you watch and listen to: do you consume toxic newspapers, TV series and video games? The risk is that they raise your level of anger, anxiety and fear. Again, have you ever noticed how you feel after doing these things? And if you immerge yourself in nature instead, can you tell the difference in your bodily experience?
Now think of the people you surround yourself with and the places you frequent: are they nourishing, do they make you feel good about yourself and your body? Or are they negative and toxic? And what about how you talk to your body? Unfortunately, one of the most toxic experiences the body has to face is our own inner voice: we can be terribly harsh and unfair. Have you ever considered talking to your body with more respect and gratitude? Think of what your body incessantly does for you, without you even being aware of its tireless work: your heart beats constantly, vital hormones are produced and released all the time, your lungs never stop breathing, your kidneys always produce urine, your digestive system processes what you eat round the clock, and your immune system keeps protecting you. May I suggest that you thank your body for everything it does? And that you tell your body that you love it, just as you would say it to a friend, your partner or your children?
Our bodies need deep nourishment and we are solely responsible for it. When our body gets what it needs, it will flourish, together with the mind – and we experience a deep sense of calm and wellbeing. Review what you expose your body to and notice how you change. If you want to begin a new kind of dialogue and relationship with your body, you can use the Ho’oponopono mantra:
I'm sorry Please forgive me Thank you I love you
Repeat this to yourself with your eyes closed, perhaps before going to sleep. Notice how soothing this is. You may feel a sense of reconciliation, or maybe you will feel your body smiling back at you. Who knows? There can be so many different sensations arising from this beautiful practice. If you want to make this a deeper meditation, you can listen to this track and let yourself be guided towards a state of harmony, serenity and joy.
