Welcome back! In this post, we're going to talk about the relationship between body image and spirituality. When we think of our spiritual practice, we may not immediately think about our bodies. However, the truth is that our bodies play a vital role in our spiritual journey. In this post, we'll explore why it's important to view our bodies as a temple for our spirit and offer some practical tips on how to care for your body. Listen to this episode of Confidently She on iTunes or Spotify. 

First, let's talk about why it's important to view our bodies as a temple for our spirit. When we view our bodies in this way, we're acknowledging that our physical form is sacred and worthy of respect. Our bodies are not just vessels for our spirit; they're an integral part of our spiritual experience. When we neglect or mistreat our bodies, we're not only harming ourselves physically, but we're also blocking our spiritual growth.

So how can we care for our bodies in a way that honors our spiritual practice? Here are a few practical tips:

1. Nourish your body with healthy food.

Your body needs fuel to function at its best. A temple isn't very effective without proper energy (lighting, air conditioning, etc) Make sure you're eating a balanced diet that makes your body feel nourished and running on optimal fuel. Staying hydrated is important, too. Keep in mind how your temple is "running" and make adjustments as necessary.

2. Practice mindful movement.

Your body was meant to move, so find ways to incorporate movement into your day. This could be as simple as taking a walk in nature, practicing yoga or tai chi, or dancing to your favorite music. Whatever you choose, make sure it's something that feels good to you and that you enjoy.

3. Rest and rejuvenate.

Your body needs rest in order to recharge and repair. Make sure you're getting enough sleep each night and taking time to relax and unwind. This could be as simple as taking a warm bath, reading a book, or meditating.

4. Practice body care.

Self-care is such a buzzword these days, I'm going to be more specific. Body care the best way to show respect and honor to your temple. Cleanliness is akin to godliness, so let's take a moment to think about how you can deep clean your temple. I'm talking about flossing your teeth, scrubbing your feet, and swabbing your ears. Focus on the areas of your body you don't normally obsess over in the mirror. Clean the parts no one sees, that shows it's more about honoring your body than it is looking good for others.

Remember, your body is a sacred vessel for your spirit. By taking care of your physical form, you're also caring for your spiritual growth. Make sure you're nourishing your body with healthy food, practicing mindful movement, resting and rejuvenating, and practicing self-care. When you view your body as a temple for your spirit, you'll be amazed at the positive impact it can have on your spiritual practice.