I dove into the deep end on the weekend.
I am an avid fan of family constellation work to reveal and heal unconscious patterns and blocks. It is a phenomenological approach that gives you insights into issues in your life and a way to shift them.
One exercise we did examined our relationship with our mind, body and spirit.
What became clear through my own process and those I observed was the important role our bodies play in connecting with our spirit.
In the past, to become more ‘spiritual’, I focused on activities I felt expanded me spiritually… meditation, Reiki, yoga, reading spiritual books, kirtan and a few wild psychedelic workshops. I even lived in a forest, completely off the grid with solar power and rainwater tanks.
I naively measured my spirituality by how often I felt expanded states of bliss and joy.
There is no denying how powerful that time was; it helped me unhook from years of abusing alcohol and drugs.
But my ‘spiritual’ journey took a turn when I relapsed with bulimia.
Suddenly I was called to tend to my body, which was being ravaged by cravings and uncontrollable binges.
I still maintained the activities that nourished my spirit, but I had to learn to nourish my body.
It was a profound learning for me to form a new relationship with my body; one based on love, respect and trust rather than criticism and disgust.
And the most incredible thing occurred…
The more I tended to my body with love and kindness, the more my connection with my spirit grew.
I became more mindful, listening and paying attention to the messages my body sent me – what it needed, what it liked and didn’t like…then taking action to meet its needs.
In this space of greater mindfulness and healing, I could feel the presence of my true self emerge more brightly.
My body became healthier as I healed my eating disorder, let go of sugar and finally stepped out of frustrating cycles of yo-yo dieting.
As my body became healthier, I could more clearly hear and feel the guidance from my inner wisdom. I finally cleared the channel for communication between my spirit and mind through my body.
These days tending to my body IS my spiritual practice.
I can’t think of a better way to honour the Divine/God/Goddess/Universe/Creator than taking really good care of the vehicle I’ve been given for this life.
“… and i said to my body. softly. ‘i want to be your friend.’ it took a long breath. and replied ‘i have been waiting my whole life for this.’” ~ Nayyirah Waheed
What does your body need from you right now?
With oodles of love,
Mandie
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