My Body is a Temple

From my recent trip to Philae, the Isis temple in Egypt.

If I were to take seriously . . . that my body is a temple, how would I live? Would I do anything differently? How can I turn this into a New Year/New Moon/1st day of Spring intention for myself?

First, what does it mean to declare, “My body is a temple?” a temple for what?

I believe we are souls riding in our bodies. The soul is our infinite self and the body has its own separate infinite wisdom.

Therefore, if I were to treat my body as a temple for my soul, I would make conscious choices. I would be mindful of what I put into it; what I drink, eat … that’s one category that can help us get started here.

If I were to treat my body like a temple by being mindful of what I eat and drink. There would be no smoking cigarettes. There would be no junk food or processed anything. Alcohol would be restricted and drug use would definitely not be used. Instead, I would only eat foods that I knew were good for me and helped my body to thrive . . . maybe even counter some aging and keep me from getting ill.

If I were to treat my body like a temple, I would keep it in good shape. I’d exercise regularly to keep my organs running at full capacity and other parts of my anatomy to be as good as it can be.

If I were to treat my body like a temple, I would pick and choose my thoughts. I know . . . this is a challenging one for most – until we can get the hang of it. Then its simply a matter of self-discipline. Negative thoughts don’t need to drown me, hook my brain in a loop, or be sent to those people we are unhappy with. Thoughts are energy just like food and exercise are. Thoughtful energy feels good to us and helps us stay positive and even gives us a sense of resilience and self-reliance.

If I were to treat my body like a temple, I would make time for quiet each and every day. Mediation or contemplation are portals into creating and inhabiting a harmonious inner life: A safe haven from life that takes place externally and out of our control.

If I were to treat my body like a temple, I would connect to my heart and live from that space every day. It’s where we feel most spiritually connected to whatever, whomever we know is Spirit. I’d see other people’s temple through out the day and therefore see the spirit in them.

If I were to treat my body like a temple, I would connect with nature every day. Even if that means opening my heart to the green hills while I wait for the traffic light to turn green. Or gaze at the clouds out my window. Whatever time allows for. Saying hello to the Seagull on my way to the car. Being careful not to step on a snail in the grass as I head for the front door, acknowledging and feeling its importance in my world. Nature has a way that balances us out. Nature is magical medicine.

If I treated my body like a temple, I would scrutinize what I watch; movies, TV shows and news. I’d be mindful of what images I want to digest, and what tone/vibe I want to allow in. Just like choosing our friends, what kind of friend makes us feel good? One that rants on and on about their bad day? The overall energy of the tv show, movie or news has an affect on our sense of well being.

Lastly, If I treated my body like a temple, I’d make sure my environment – where I am staying or living – feels good, and is healthy. In other words, there would not be much clutter, the space would be clean and safe. Since my body is occupying time in the space, it would need to reflect health and well being. Things that are pleasing to my body in color, shape and form, too.

Since this is a pretty long list, which one would you prioritize for yourself? What, if anything is preventing you from making it happen? Can you envision this new reality? Does it excite you? If it feels overwhelming, then can you reach out for help?

Did I forget anything? I'd love to read your additions, thoughts and challenges.