“Volumes are now being written and spoken about the effect of the mind on the body — I wish more was thought of the effect of the body on the mind.” ~Florence Nightingale
“The mind’s first step to self-awareness must be through the body.” ~George Sheehan
“Your body is precious. It is our vehicle for awakening. Treat it with care.” ~Buddha
“Many Miles”
by Mary Oliver
The feet of the heron,
under those bamboo stems,
hold the blue body,
the great beak
above the shallows
of the pond.
Who could guess
their patience?
Sometimes the toes
shake, like worms.
What fish
could resist?
Or think of the cricket,
his green hooks
climbing the blade of grass—
or think of camel feet
like ear muffs,
striding over the sand—
or think of your own
slapping along the highway,
a long life,
many miles.
To each of us comes
the body gift.
Invitation: In the midst of summer, taste the rich, ripe blueberries, the perfect, fleshy tomatoes, the sweet corn. Feel the shifting grains of sand under your feet and the cool, wet waves on your toes. Smell the earth’s dry dirt as the rain bounces up from it, evaporating in the summer heat. Hear the firecracker’s boom and see the dazzling colors and patterns. Feel your heart open as you rest in vivid awareness and appreciation of your body, experiencing this moment in this season of your life.
Affirming Statement: “I appreciate my body, and through it, I wake up to my life.”
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Nutrition therapists Amy Tuttle, RD, LCSW and Karin Kratina, RD, PhD provide no-diet articles and resources including “Stay Attuned: The E-zine for Nourishing Connections” at their Nourishing Connections website. www.nourishingconnections.com
