The Body of the Winner
September 7, 2010
I was impressed by the latest episode of the US TV series “The Biggest Loser” – the show where contestants compete to lose the greatest amount of body weight. Actually, what we are seeing on UK TV right now is the Season 8 series that ended in December 2009.
For this episode, they filmed the programme in and around the grounds of the White House, to publicise the need for the US people to take responsibility for their health.
Wow, it was a bold move. The show has changed its tack once again, as successful shows must do, to ask bigger questions about what people are seeking to achieve. The contestants mentioned their personal targets of getting self-confidence, self-worth and better health. But when you highlight the health of a nation then you are addressing something bigger than weight loss or better eating habits.
You are really asking people ‘want do you want to do with your body? – what is your body for?’
These are deep questions, that have probably been asked before on an individual basis, but this is a national/international invitation. In fact this is a question that applies to everyone in this world, and to not ask the question is to remain unaware of your body’s potential.
It’s been over 20 years since I last ran a marathon. Back then I ran fast and hard, pushed myself in competitions and excelled in athletics. Track, cross-country, road running – they all gave me a high, a desire to run simply for the thrill of it. That thrill was there, the moment I slipped on my training gear and headed out the front door. But over time, I no longer had the drive or energy to carry on at that level of competition, for my spiritual development took me in other directions and lessened my desire for running, and so with great reluctance I hung up my running shoes.
I have watched (with some regret) the loss of my muscle tone over time. Yet the silver lining is that I have greater respect now for my physicality. It’s not something that I can take for granted. I have a relationship with my body that I never considered before – a relationship that isn’t time-driven or performance-oriented. A relationship that doesn’t make me feel limited in some way.
My body is still in great shape and my health quotient is high, but there are some noticeable recent changes. I have put on some weight that makes me feel more substantial and present; I am developing a more upright stance; and I can feel my chest area broadening out, requiring me to deepen my breathing.
Basically, I feel a revival in terms of body growth, yet I’m savvy enough to know this isn’t just about me.
So here are my thoughts on what’s really taking place, and which “The Biggest Loser” is pointing to.
We are learning to be fully accountable for what we are creating/thinking/living.
We are learning to listen, for what we think about our bodies does not always reflect what our bodies are saying to us.
We are learning to love this whole growing experience – incorporating natural rhythm and movement into the simplest of activities, so that we really feel our aliveness.
We are learning to appreciate that we are no longer separate from our bodies but that we have ownership of something truly amazing.
We are learning to ask the fundamental questions. Is our need for food changing? Can we get nourishment from other sources? And what are we growing our bodies for?
I’m still in the exploration of this myself. I’m developing a body that is strong, fit, flexible, vital, graceful, and has an athletic stance. I want to experience a body that delights me and delights in being me. In past years, I experienced my body in an unconscious way, without appreciation – but now I am claiming a more intimate and passionate experience of being me.
I see that my body reflects my design for life. And in that creative design space I am fully engaged with life.
Now I can really get a sense of being here, for I am at work on something tremendous. Just like Michelangelo or da Vinci – I have a grand design that is being shaped by my feelings for life, and through the dedication to my art, my body is taking on the lustrous form that I know it can be. Though this creation may never be complete, as it is forever changing, it will always be a testament to what is possible when we allow ourselves to go for something that is beyond our wildest dreams to accomplish.
In years to come, people will understand that their greatest potential is being realised in every single moment, through every breath, every heartbeat, every whisper of the creation that they are. There is everything to live for now – everyone is a winner – everyone is an incredible creation.
Comments
One Response to “The Body of the Winner”
HI
Thank you for the topic &comments
that why, to improve the body-mind complex, I started studying yoga.
Where is the best place to learn? for me, in India…
Namaste