The body is our private sanctuary, is it not? That said, over the decades, there seems to be a remarkable explosion of tattoos littering the corporeal landscape. The ones I greatly enjoy are those to be seen in the most frigid of weather. Their display only amplified by the dearth of clothing which should be covering an exposed piece of flesh. Why do we deem it necessary to mutilate our temple – our own piece of God’s gift of life? This is because we are subject to an overabundance of displays and ideas. This makes us devoid of personal distinctiveness. We are thus desperate to find an image to confirm that we are sui generis, we are unique. I matter in this universe; hence I reward myself with an artificial sense of specialness. The superstars and the celebrities do it — they are iconic and unforgettable — so why shouldn’t I join their ranks? Sadly, as we all know, this is a zero-sum game. (1). There is no win with a false sense of individuality.
Our uniqueness can only be ignited from within. Then it can blossom into that magnificent flower which each of us is – or at least should be – in the garden of life. If we believe that the self is represented through the body, we misunderstand what our essence is. History has presented us with an overabundance of famous and beautiful people, with stunningly gorgeous bodies, who died in pain and ignominy. This does not have to be our lot. To preclude inner beauty from how we define our person is a clear mistake. Why have cell phones replaced thoughtfulness? This is because to think requires training. It is the same with our very being, we must nurture an awareness of who I am spiritually and emotionally, and then, and only then, can I undertake a fostering of my physical existence. It would be foolish to place the natural order in the opposite direction – I am first represented by my body in the world and then I exist. As Descartes (2) tells us, “I think and therefore I am.” This would appear to be more true today in our contemporary world than ever before.
But to what length am I willing to sacrifice my morality to achieve financial success and all its trappings in contemporary society? I recently posed this question to a group of middle-aged people. Almost to a person, everyone agreed that no amount of money or fame would allow me to forego a sense of dignity and self-worth – self-respect. I subsequently asked the same question of a class of senior high school students. I was taken aback. Most said they would take a chance on a period of immorality depending on the amount of money and for how long the wickedness lasted. We have an idiom, “Knock me over with a feather,” to express shock — and I was. However, taking into account their age and inexperience with the harshness of life, it is easy to understand their response. As teachers, parents, and educators, we obviously have “our work cut out” to show our young people the value of inner growth over the artificial nature of the visual world. It is only then that the temple will become of value and not just another marketing tool. The inspirational writer and personal development coach, Robin Sharma, (3) leaves us with a thought: Everything is created twice, first in the mind and then in reality.
A closing thought: It is important to encourage critical thinking and an appreciation of time in an age that lauds the superficial and the artificial. This nonetheless is not a new societal concern. Human beings have always been in conflict over which is the more dominant feature of our identity – that which is displayed for everyone to view or my inner sanctum of self-reflection and holiness. The question to ask is which brings us the most peace, the adoration of crowds, or our interconnectivity with God? I think we all know the answer.
To sum up: This week we spoke about the appreciation each of us must have for our body. Keep it healthy and keep it respected and it will carry us successfully until the end of our physical life.
To be noted: One should speak little with others and much with oneself.
Just for fun: Matthäus Passion
For reflection: How To Know Yourself
This week on your reflective walk, please contemplate the respect that you have for your own body.
Every day look for something magical and beautiful
Quote: I am a combination of mind, body, and soul.
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