How much do you know about your body? Do the workings of your body seem mysterious? Is your body something that is best left alone?
I am currently in the middle of teaching a 4-week class called “Body Magic” in which we are taking an intuitive, playful look at the energy in and around the body which affects our self-esteem and ability to be comfortable in our own skin.
This is something I have been wanting to do for quite some time and it is proving to be a lot of fun and enlightening for all concerned.
There are so many taboos about the physical body – cultural, ethnic, religious, etc., – that don’t allow us to consider looking at the mechanics of the incredible machines we inhabit, let alone really become intimate with it’s workings. Unless, of course, you are a medical professional.
Admittedly, we have been making great strides in recent years and permission to have awareness and control of our own physical wellbeing is increasing.
A little over a year ago, I visited the exhibit Bodies Revealed – a wonderful display designed to demystify the interior of the human body and, as a result, educate and familiarize each of us with how our bodies work and how they look under the skin.
– Did you know that your heart beats approx. 100,000 times per day?
– Did you know that there are approx. 100,000 miles of blood vessels in your body and that it takes only 90 seconds for your blood to travel that system?
– Did you know the nervous system transmits information through nerve cells at speeds above 270 miles per hour.
I would recommend this exhibit to everyone!
However, in general, I would say the prevailing trend continues to be NOT to pay a lot of attention to your body unless there is something wrong with it. And, if there is something even mildly wrong, you immediately consult a medical professional or other such expert.
When was the last time you said hello to your each of your internal organs and validated how well they are working for you – something we did this morning in class!
Unfortunately, in our society, there is more permission to explore and understand the workings of our motor vehicles, than our bodies!
Your physical body is your home for the course of this lifetime. The more familiar you become with it, the more you get to know it, love it and appreciate the brilliance of its design, the more you will be able to create what you want, follow your path and enjoy your life on all levels.
Regardless of your genetic make-up, you have the ability to improve your wellbeing by recognizing, validating and learning to love your body just the way it is.
How? Make it one of your 2010 goals or New Year resolutions to become more familiar with your body – make an appointment for a massage, take a yoga class, join a meditation group, say hello to your body every day and give it some TLC…….
Pretty soon it won’t be quite so mysterious, and you will more easily recognize it’s wonders!
Photos courtesy of flickr, wikipedia and stock.xchng.