More Personally

As strange as this may sound, could you write your physical body a letter?

It might help you see it with God’s eyes.

Picking up the thread of what it means to live alive in our physical body — especially, not cursing it, but blessing it …

Something recently happened that’s directly challenging me.

I had a major surgery.  As a result, my physical body not only has experienced a significant jolt of trauma, leaving inflammation, but it also has a number of physical reminders.  Wounds and scars, both inside and out, that have changed the way my body looks.  At least for the time being.    

When I first returned home from the hospital, I heard myself saying, “You look grotesque.”

And, almost immediately, I was reminded of the Body Blessing (see 11 Feb 2025).  It took lots of effort and I didn’t feel like it, but I tried again to bless my physical body.

It wasn’t easy.

If I’m honest, it still isn’t.

I’m discovering that living alive in my body means I need to intentionally practice ways to stay in a healthy place with it, both physically and mentally.

Here’s something else I’m discovering.  It’s helpful to write down my thoughts and feelings.  For me, this has come in the form of a letter to my body.

It’s something I did the other day.

Rather than curse my body with flippant, derogatory comments, I spoke to it as if I love it.

As if it is a precious gift from God.

As if I’m not ashamed by it.

As if I don’t loathe it, feel shame for it, or wish I had a different one.

My letter helps me see my physical body, especially post-surgery, with God’s eyes.  It’s in my journal to read and re-read, to remind me to bless my body rather than curse it.

For you

How about you? 

Could you write your physical body a letter?

It might help you see it with God’s eyes.