@houseofah

When thinking about what I believe about my body, the first thing that comes to mind is the phrase the body keeps the score. As we examine the body, we notice the marks the lines, the sun spots, the scars, and the wrinkles. These things were not present at our birth, but as time has moved on, they showed up through our lives on our bodies and are the proof of the things that have happened or can be a starting point of a story, and have a story to tell. Our bodies are our vessels, our souls' expression of what it means to be alive on Earth, in which we only get one this time around. As long as we take care of our bodies, nourish our bodies, strengthen our bodies, we are more likely to live lives that are capable and able. The body is meant to move. The body needs to be challenged in certain aspects to grow and to thrive. The body is often asked to run, to balance, to jump, to rest, to stretch, and to just be.

Sometimes that may include a half-marathon, triathlon, practices of stillness, such as yoga or Pilates. The body can be subject to one's ego wanting to achieve the next goal or ambition sometimes even without boundaries; the body could be subject to someone else's agenda. There are times of inadequacy when our bodies are suffering illness, injury, or stress; these are vulnerable places, areas that we carry insecurities. We may ask ourselves, will my legs carry me to the next step? Are my arms strong enough to pull me out a body of water, this chair, or will my belly just fit in these jeans. Yes, the body can be strong, but oftentimes the mind is stronger & we will our bodies to follow suit. Sometimes it can, and sometimes it can't. Our bodies are no longer as young, agile, or mobile. Sometimes we have to face a hard reality that as we age, our bodies' abilities can change. The courage & strength to hold on to as much youth and mobility as possible is what keeps us young & hopeful.