Note:  This is a three part article in honor of the holiday weekend.  I am on vacation this weekend so the regularly scheduled Fri. weighin (for week 82), Sat. miracle of the scales, and Sun. weighty wisdom will return next week.

Part One Nourishing Our Sacred Bodies (part 1 of 3)

In order for our spirits to shine through here on the physical plane, it is important that we keep our bodies nourished and fit. Our bodies are necessary tools for our spiritual work in the physical. The kinds of foods we choose and how we consume them not only provides the fuel we need for our well-being, but it can also be an integral part of practicing our chosen path and an expression of our commitment to honor and respect all of Nature.

The stresses of daily life consume our time and energy and often our bodies bear the greatest burden through our neglect. The saying “do what thy will, so long as it harms none,” applies to caring for ourselves, not just how we treat others. Therefore, as we grow in spirit, we need to be aware of how we care for our bodies and determine whether we are harming or healing ourselves. “Far too many Americans are literally eating themselves to death,” Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson said March 12, 2004 at a news conference. Now more then ever we need to heed the wisdom of Nature, honor our bodies, harness the power of spirit, and create a healthy eating plan for ourselves and our families. Making wiser choices in what we eat, shows respect our spiritual path, increases our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual energy levels, and can be a simple means for incorporating spiritual practices into our daily life. Bringing our awareness into focus with “Nature’s Way” can give us a clearer perspective of what we chose to eat, why we eat, and respect for our bodies in order to change our behavior and create a healthier, more spiritual way of life that nurtures our bodies, minds, and spirits.

The first step in making changes is to assess where you are now and what changes need to be made. Make a doctor’s appointment for a general checkup and blood work tests, (i.e. thyroid testing, blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, etc). Start a journal for planning, tracking goals, successes, and dealing with setbacks. Other useful tools include a good scale, measuring cups and spoons, food scale, good pair of walking sneakers.

Next outline your goals. When setting goals, plan incremental steps along the way that are small enough to be achievable in a reasonable amount of time, and celebrate the small successes along the way. For example, when deciding on a goal weight, break it down into 5 to 10 pound steps. This is not a beauty contest or being a certain number on the scale to fit some commercialized, over-idealized body image. It is also not a race to beat a self-imposed deadline. Be flexible and remember to adjust your goals and timeframe as needed. Remember the goal is to be filled with energy and well-being.

Continued: Part Two and Part Three.

Written: May 20, 2004 (edited for posting in three parts Nov. 23-24 2007)

NOTE: This article is based on personal experience, inspiration and research that has helped me to grow in awareness, improve my health and loose over 100 pounds. It incorporates the lessons learned through my years as a massage therapist, student of life, and a woman who is enjoying having reached the glorious age of 50+ years young. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease, or prescribe any form of treatment.

**Be sure to consultant a physician before starting a weight loss or exercise program.**

********************

Technorati Tags

Related Articles:

Currently Diet Pulpit is rarely updated. Lady Rose is now blogging at Blissful Moon, where she is staying healthy and continuing to have adventures, please stop by and visit.

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

Tags: , , , ,