Your Body Machine
When my grandson was about four years old, his mom taught him about physical health and wellness. He wanted to grow up powerful and strong. He was so determined to take good care of his body! It was impressive. If we offered him any food or snack, he would ask, “Is it good for me?” If the answer wasn’t yes, he would quickly respond, “Nah…That’s not good for my body machine.” This four-year-old boy would decline bad food choices without hesitation or second thought. He thought of his body simply—mechanically. He took full ownership and responsibility. He had no interest in mistreating his Body Machine.
“Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge? Where is the knowledge we have lost in information?” –T. S. Eliot
As we mature, we gain more knowledge. We learn that germs, exposure, antibodies, disease, and even some genetics will influence our overall health. In the face of these facts, we gradually lose our innate intelligence and relinquish our responsibility to protect and care for our Body Machine.
As we gain confidence in our newfound knowledge, our mature and sophisticated reasoning whispers to us that our daily choices are minute compared to the great influences beyond our control. We begin to overthink simple concepts. We overlook the impact of our simple daily habits. The choices we make each day are central to the condition of our Body Machines. As with any other machine, today’s maintenance and care will be a key determining factor in the way your Body Machine functions in years to come.
Over the years, I’ve seen patients who care better for their automobiles than for their own bodies. Would you drive your car for miles after the engine started knocking, or the oil light came on, or the temperature spiked? Would you clip the wires or knock out the light and keep driving? When an alarm goes off in your body, how do you handle it? Snooze it with medication? Ignore it until the alarm goes away? Would you feel comfortable flying in an airplane that got the same attention you give your body?
Life is busy, and it’s easy to minimize the importance of simple daily decisions. I urge you to rediscover your innate intelligence. Reclaim ownership of your Body Machine.
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” –Anonymous
Real health isn’t complicated. We do have a natural, innate intelligence of what is good for us. In our busy modern world, it may be buried deep, but it is there. To get back in touch with your childish intuition, consider each aspect of your Triad of Health: Chemical Health, Physical Health, and Spiritual Health. Each day, ask yourself: “Am I treating my own personal Body Machine with the meticulous attention, ownership, and care it deserves?”
Let’s crack the hood and decide where you’ll begin your tune-up. Take a minute to review your Body Machine’s Fuel (Chemical Health), its Mechanics (Physical Health), and its Maintenance (Spiritual Health). Can you identify any alarms or signals it may be sending you?
Fuel
Food, water, sunshine, and air are your basic fuels. Are you consuming adequate, quality fuel?
Do you eat too much or too little?
Are you getting enough sunshine and fresh air?
Do you stay hydrated with clean, unadulterated water?
Do you eat a wide variety of fruits and veggies every day—at least ten servings?
Do you avoid indulgent foods?
Everything you consume affects your chemical makeup. The materials you supply are used to construct cells. The quality of materials will affect the overall quality and resilience of the final product. Will you be made of good, strong materials that have stood the test of time?
Mechanics
Does your Body Machine keep up with your physical needs and desires?
Do you listen to alarm signals (thirst, mood, hunger, tiredness, restlessness) and offer proper repairs?
Are you comfortable with a variety of physical activities and motions such as jumping, walking, hiking, swimming, biking, lifting, and stretching?
Are you physically comfortable throughout the day without pain medication?
Are you at a healthy weight where you feel confident and capable?
Are you working to reduce or stop dependence on medication?
Much of our physical mechanics occur on a cellular level where we can’t see or feel what is happening. In fact, by the time you see or feel a symptom, most of the disease process has already occurred. It’s important to pay attention to minor alarms and signals and to take appropriate action. Covering up signals with medication, caffeine, and other false solutions leads to big problems over time. Meticulous care and attention will improve your quality of life.
Maintenance
Is your spirit fulfilled, thriving, and strong?
Do you express gratitude daily?
Do you interact with others in a positive way?
Inventory a relationship. What can you do to repair or improve it?
Have you learned something new or increased a skill today?
Are you the master of your thoughts, intentionally directing them for good?
Every activity of our mind affects our spiritual health. With a strong, active mind and spirit, you can better care for your Body Machine and use it for good.
It's actually very simple:
EAT: supply your body with the highest quality materials.
THINK: actively direct your thoughts and improve your mind.
DO: consistently use and care for all your physical parts.
Our body is the tool we use to contribute to our family, our community, and our world. As such, can you think of anything more important than responsibly maintaining it?
Reclaim responsibility and control over your health. Next time you are deciding what to eat, what to think, or what to do, ask yourself: “Is this good for my Body Machine?”
