Bodies

 

I went to a yoga class tonight taught by my new friend Emily.  She is very good at what she does.  And she made me feel good too.  

Challenged but good. 

My body brings me lots of frustrations.  George reminds me it's my illness and not my body that I hate sometimes,  and it's a good reminder.

As we were finishing and spending a few minutes in guided mediation, I found myself pleasantly surprised at what my body COULD do and not just what it couldn't. 

Don't get me wrong- I completed zero of the moves with accuracy or finesse.  And sometimes I had to stop, catch my breath or modify it because of my lack of coordination, strength or flexibility.  

But I didn't quit.  Or sustain a serious injury. And I enjoyed being there with the others.  

It was helpful to remember the simple truth that I am worth taking care of physically as well as spiritually and mentally and emotionally.  

President Susan W Tanner spoke of Satan's lack of a body and his desire to convince us to disregard the gift that we have in having them, imperfections and all.  She said, "He seduces some to despise their bodies; others he tempts to worship their bodies. In either case, he entices the world to regard the body merely as an object. In the face of so many satanic falsehoods about the body, I want to raise my voice today in support of the sanctity of the body. I testify that the body is a gift to be treated with gratitude and respect."

Your body is a gift.  

To be treated with gratitude and respect. 

So is mine.