The Sacred Physical

In my quiet time on retreat I read a theological book that suggests we need to be more aware of our bodies.  This idea really struck me.  Christians do tend to ignore the physical—things of the Spirit are good and things of the flesh are bad.  The author points out that Jesus spent his last night on earth sharing supper or washing feet (depending on which Gospel you read).  He did not give them something to think about but instead he gave them something to do.

I belong to a denomination which is very cerebral—we pride ourselves on being thinkers.  As I age and my physical problems bother me more, I tend to try to ignore my body and how it feels.  I pull more inside my head.  Perhaps I am tuning out things I should notice.

I have always loved being in the outdoors, experiencing nature.  These are the times that I feel closest to God.  It’s not enough to watch it from a window.  It’s important to be out in it—to feel the sunshine on my back and the wind in my face.  I need to hear the birds singing and watch the squirrels scurry in the trees above me.  As I walk up a trail I feel the rocks beneath my boots and hear the crunch of the twigs.  I stop to catch my breath and look out at the vista below.  Although this can be a spiritual experience, it is also very much a physical experience.

As God moves through us and among us, I think we shouldn’t ignore the importance of human touch—God connects us all.  When we lay hands on each other and pray for healing, we can feel the warmth of God’s healing energy.  On a human level, there is a special bond between the person praying and the one receiving the prayers.  It is wonderful to be prayed for and feel the love.  God gave us bodies that are not only receptive to the touch of others but need that touch.  Babies who are not touched and loved do not thrive.  When we are hurting, the hugs from friends and family are important in our healing process.  We Christians have huge issues with sexual relationships—they may be described as “sins of the flesh.”  However, there is nothing more beautiful than the bond between two people who truly love each other and physical expression of that love is part of it.  Isn’t God a part of this love too?

We can use our bodies to express sorrow or joy and to praise God.  Sometimes words are not only unnecessary, but they can get in the way.  To me, one of the most beautiful ways to express feelings is through dance.  A good choreographer and talented dancers can tell a story that moves me to tears.  And what better way to express joy than through dance?  Unfortunately, too many Christian worship services inhibit their congregants from dancing.  What a great way to praise God when the Spirit moves among us!  We need to use the wonderful bodies that we were given.