The weather here in Houston stinks.
It’s hot and muggy one day, then it’s cold and rainy the next.
Winter consisted of exactly three days in January where it got cold enough to freeze and kill all of our plants. But within days, it was back up into the ‘80s.
As a result of the temperature roller coaster, a lot of people are sick.
Colds, sinusitis, bronchitis, allergies… you name it, people have it.
And unfortunately, I’m right in the mix with everyone else on my third bout of “sickness” since Christmas. Can’t seem to shake this crud-cough/bronchitis/allergies/whatever it is!
I’ve tried acupuncture and herbs. I’ve done two rounds of antibiotics. I’ve tried essential oils and massage. I’ve tried to sweat it out in the far-infrared sauna. I’ve tried going to bed earlier.
Not much is working.
Last week, I enjoyed reading Kate Love’s blog Leaning Into a Lenten Season of Rest.
Her post reminded me of one of my best friends from college who chose the spiritual practice of writing in her journal for 40 days.
I did not come from a religious family so I was in awe of her commitment.
I had Catholic friends growing up and they ate fish on Fridays and their typical sacrifice was giving up chocolate during Lent but that was it.
But committing to doing something positive…now that sounded special!
So last week, when I was reading Kate’s blog and pondering the state of my health, it dawned on me that my Lenten spiritual practice this year might be really powerful if I chose to love my body more for 40 days.
I wrote it in big letters at the top of my journal.
My Lenten commitment is to LOVE MY BODY MORE.
And then I asked, “So what does that look like?”
For me, the answers were:
- Rest when tired.
- Meditate more often.
- Move in ways that feel good (walk outside, gentle yoga, jazzercise when I have the energy)
- Eat only when I’m hungry.
- More veggies. Less sugar.
- Think good thoughts about my body.
- Believe that healing is possible. (I’m not always going to be sick!)
- Be grateful for my body. Treat it as a sacred vessel.
I can’t say that making this list and reading it daily has helped me to be magically cured overnight.
But I can say that making this list and reading it daily has helped me to be more mindful of how I’m caring for my body.
I’m not pushing through things as much.
I’m going to bed earlier.
I’m crawling into bed and taking 15-minute cat naps when I can.
I’m walking the dog in the woods between client calls.
I’m eating veggies for breakfast (In a frittata! But hey, it’s a start!)
I’m eating less sugar (most days).
I’m feeling mentally better, if not physically better.
I’ve written before about listening to your body and the importance of rest.
It’s a subject that is essential to our self care foundation.
If we don’t care for our bodies, who’s going to do it for us?
Revitalizing Action:
- Ask yourself “What can I do to LOVE MY BODY MORE?”
- Make your list.
- Post it someplace you’ll see it every day.
- Notice how you feel after a few days.
Here’s to loving our bodies more!
Elizabeth
P.S. What’s on your list? If you feel like sharing, simply hit “Reply”.