Jump to the following topics:

1. The body is who we are in the physical world.  
2. The body has a life of its own. 
3. Techniques for enhancing our relationship with our body. 

The body is who we are in the physical world. While the mind interprets the world, and our emotions respond to it, our body is our actual presence here. Regardless of our thoughts or feelings at any moment -- our shyness, our insecurity, our doubts, our worries about our public image -- we can find peace in knowing that the body always feels at home and connected to everything and everyone around it, living in a realm of enjoyment, zeal, vibrant senses, and exploration and intrigue. We truly experience the world only through this warm, vigorous involvement.

The body has a life of its own. Although the body responds to our wishes -- it moves when we want to move -- it is somewhat of a separate living thing. Think of the trillions of cells that know nothing of "you" -- your problems, your dreams. When we recognize and respect the integrity of this living entity, we feel gratitude for its kind obedience, and a desire to serve its needs (through nutrition, exercise, and rest). When we view the body not so much as an instrument of our demanding will, and more as an intimate companion, we feel its life, energy, and health.

Techniques for enhancing our relationship with our body.

1. Love and appreciate the body. We might have been taught that the body is inferior to the mind and to our ideals (personal and religious). But to accept the body's own reality of its functions and desires is simply to accept reality. We can accept the entire body "as it is," viewing it with acceptance and admiration and exhilaration -- and an understanding that our body is "perfect," though never by the mind's standards (which are insensitive, unattainable, and irrelevant). Experience what your body is experiencing. Enjoy what your body enjoys.
2. Accept your body's animal nature. Through our body, we are connected to our roots in nature and to the vitality of that world. Cherish the animal nature -- the nonrational part of us that loves to move, eat, rest, and seek pleasure. Despite the distractions of our daily involvements, we can be aware of the momentary impulses and delights of the body, which instinctively feels the passion of simply being alive. Respect the desires of the body; it naturally (and innocently) wants what it wants -- and its natural cravings are a vital guide toward health and fulfillment, not toward excess and "sin."
3. Allow the body to move. The body loves to move. To the body, movement is life and language. Although we may be working in an office all day, the body is still on the playground or on the savannah (or wishing that it were there). The body needs no "discipline" to exercise; it craves the motion and exertion, particularly if we choose a program that is varied, challenging, and fun. Let the body move in its own way. When you are walking, exercising, or doing everyday actions such as those of household chores, allow the body to guide you into the most relaxed and easy way to do them. The body likes to move in its own rhythm, in a way that is comfortable to its anatomy -- rather than being pushed by impatience, or misdirected by a fabricated image of the proper performance. Just think of the action to be taken, and then let it be done with the participation of your whole body, with the energy that is inherent when it is quietly guided but allowed to experience pleasure in its motions. When the body conducts the motions, they become more efficient and there is an ease and delight; we use fewer muscles to do the same job, and those muscles operate with less tension or effort, and the activity generates energy rather than depletes it.
4. Accept the body's own intelligence. Our body "knows" more than is contained all the books on medicine, nutrition, and fitness. In every cell is the accumulated knowledge from billions of years of life on earth. When we are attentive to the sensations in our body, its wisdom guides us toward the right foods, and tells us when (and how much) to eat. It creates our yearning to exercise and it gives us a "kinesthetic sense" that helps us to avoid strain and injuries; the muscles know the best way to move, and they can do that when there is less interfering "control" from our mind. The body knows how much sleep and relaxation we need, how the junk food and cigarettes feel to the organs that are damaged by them, which natural remedies we should be drawn to, and how to maintain every aspect of our health. While calling on medical professionals whenever necessary, we can also honor the real expert -- our own body.