Body~Temple

My body is the Temple of God?  I believe this statement to be true. However, when I was first informed of this, at the age of six, it freaked me out. I wrestled with the idea of God, being in my body. I was trying to understand all of this new Catechism information. It created anxiety in me; more than I already had, which was a lot.

But today, I know that the Spirit lives in me. It’s my life force and energy, and it connects with everything around me. We Are One.

So I work at taking care of myself, physically, mentally and spiritually. I live and learn.

At one time, in my life, or I should say, in my youth, I was very out of shape. Looking back, I know I was a strong person. I can only imagine what my abilities could have been, had I been in shape. But I wasn’t. And I wouldn’t say I’m 100% fit, now. But I am healthy. And I’d like to be healthier; it’s possible.

For years, I have invested many hours and energy into my well being.

I am in it, for the long haul.

At thirty one, I had gained a lot of weight, and I lost it; sixty five pounds. Can you believe it? And I have kept it off, all of these years. I lost it slowly, thinking of lifestyle change, rather than just loosing weight.

For incentive, I ran a few races; one being the Jacksonville River Run, 5X’s. I climbed Mount Precipice, in Bar Harbor, Maine. I crossed country skied in Colorado. And I’ve avidly surfed for the last fifteen years.

What I’m trying to say here is, I do things to take care of myself. I’m active in fun, healthy exercise.  And I’m going to add, that it was done with less positive support and more negative comments.

When training for the runs, especially in the beginning, women would always comment, “You’re going to get hurt.” When I climbed Precipice, the people that I was with, said I could die, and don’t do it. It was too dangerous. And when I went to Colorado, my friend I was visiting, was sure I would be unconcious in the snow, from a lack of oxygen.  I was breaking free and having fun. Everyone of those adventures were awesome, priceless, never to be repeated, and worth every bit of the effort.

Also, people often want you to eat, eat, eat!  There’s so much social pressure to eat decadent foods, especially in the holidays. And if I do get thinner, then I have to endure all of the, “Are you sure you’re eating enough?” Anorexic paranoia prevails.

Personally, I don’t think people are meant to carry the extra weight that North Americans have become accustomed to.

It’s hard to stick to your guns, to exercise and eat right. But if you want to reap the rewards and care for the God in you, you have to prioritize.

CLIMB MORE MOUNTAINS~SWIM MORE SEAS~RIDE MORE WAVES~PUMP IRON~RUN~

Don’t adhere to the “crabs in the bucket”, that try to pull you down.

Now that I’ve shared all of that………….I have been asked many times,”Do you have grocery stores in Costa Rica?” I want to say there are no dumb questions…..but…..Costa Rica is a country, filled with people. How could we not have grocery stores?

Yesterday, I went to town, to the big grocery store. I would say the equivalent of a Publix, at home. We have many smaller stores, scattered about and a plethora of roadside vegetable stands. I spent sixty dollars for two small bags of groceries. That’s partly due to the economy, and partly due to the fact that it costs more to eat healthy.

I gave in, when I decided to take better care of my temple, to spend the money for good food. I’m worth it. Right. We all are.

I fought that concept, for a long, time though.

Brown is the only way to buy bread, rice and pastas. Fruits and vegetables are a must, as are good proteins.

I know I need to work on my portion control…vamos a ver-we’ll see.

Also, yesterday, in the morning, was my first private yoga class. I’ve been to six group sessions now, and I am enjoying the benefits. At my one on one class, I focused on clarity, of the poses. I need to know how they are going to work for me.

There’s always knew things to learn.

I don’t believe we have to get sick as we get older.

I cherish the God in me and the God in you.

I’m glad I’m me.

Are you glad you’re you?

Namaste