In this year of Upping Your Game, and in preparation for this month of focusing on the body, I've been contemplating the body. Normally, when I think of the body, what comes to mind are the practices of healthy eating and regular exercise. That is, I consider how I can best care for this body, this vehicle of awakening. But I was surprised and delighted to see a new twist: The body cares for me.
I had never seen before the many reminders the body gives me to get here, be present and be grateful. All I have to do is direct my attention. Ha! The whole of practice is in that "all." For as Cheri is fond of reminding us, the quality of our lives is determined by the focus of our attention. And the body gifts us with so many "built-in" reminders to attend to this/here/now.
The obvious reminder tool is the breath, a moment-by-moment present (pun intended!) Really, isn't it just miraculous? In order to live, the body must breathe. (Thankfully, it does not require our consciousness or we'd be in trouble.) This moment-by-moment, involuntary practice is with us always and, if we so choose, can serve as our reminder to drop out of conditioned mind and be present. How cool is that?! An ending suffering tool that is ALWAYS with us!
But I also see how other bodily functions--things egocentric karmic conditioning/self-hate sees as interruptions or inconveniences--are wonderful practice tools as well. The body requires nourishment. And so we have the practice of mindful eating and giving gratitude. When I really stop and consider it, what the body does with food is miraculous. It is able to extract nutrients and eliminate wastes. Wow.
I remember after my dad died of colon cancer, I became so grateful for having a healthy colon and so amazed at what it does. The colon was something I had never even considered before. I took it so for granted. Bathroom breaks throughout the day became an opportunity to give thanks. Of course, the gratitude and amazement faded. But just last week, I realized how the body's need for elimination is an opportunity to take a time-out and check in with myself: A built-in stop-drop-and-breathe exercise throughout the day!
At this past New Year's retreat, when I had to lie down after one lunch because I wasn't feeling well, I became mesmerized by the process of digestion. I don't think I had ever been so present to this process before. I was aware of the food as it traveled throughout the body, from the stomach and through the colon. And I was just amazed. Wow. There is a universe in there.
Everything about the body is miraculous, inside and out. I just so easily forget. And it is such a good practice to remember regularly throughout the day. The cool thing is, the body itself can help me remember. As I turn my attention to how it cares for itself, and me, it becomes a "gratitude wants to give" experience. Because as I stay conscious of all the miracles the body embodies, and all it gives, I want to care for it the best way I can, by providing the best food, rest, exercise and meditation I can give it in return.
I am so grateful for a practice that continues to teach me--and remind me--of the wisdom of the body.
Gassho,
Ann