Your Body is a Gift

Since mid-January I’ve been very dedicated to getting to my yoga practice almost every day. And late last month I recommitted to my strength training by signing on with a new trainer.

But last week we took our kids to New York for spring break. I walked thousands of steps in a day. But I didn’t do any yoga in the cramped hotel room. I didn’t lift anything heavier than a cream cheese smeared bagel. And the trip was bookended with 6+ hour train rides.

When I woke up on Saturday morning, my body did not feel good. Tired tight legs and no motivation had me feeling like I never wanted to roll out my mat or look at a kettlebell ever again. Being in a body felt kinda hard that morning.

Then I remembered the Tantric view that Embodiment is a Gift.

In many systems of yoga, being in a body is problematic. It’s a sign that you’re not doing well on the path to enlightenment. And therefore you should discipline your body to the point of escaping it all together.

But not in Tantra. In Tantra, being in a body is a good thing. It’s how the Divine Light of Consciousness experiences its creation - this Universe.

Being in a body is an experience to savor. One that’s extremely precious because our time in our bodies is fleeting. It will end.

Bodies can seem problematic at times. They don’t do what you want. They don’t look how you want. They break down and get sick.

And they’re also such a gift. One we can savor for as long as we’re in them.

I’ve been back for just about a week now. Getting on my mat, going to the gym. And I’m grateful to say I’m feeling the gift of my body again.

A busy week meant just a quick note for you today. More soon, friends