The human construct is an enigma in materialized form. The energy required to sustain this ‘form’ is drawn from internal (spiritual) and external (physical) sources: both are mutually supportive. Bodily health is the framework that supports spiritual pursuits. Spiritual expansion can be motivation for maintaining a state of ‘good health’. Synchronizing bodily health and spiritual aspirations brings the body / mind / spirit complex into a holistic unity.
The (human) body is a conglomerate of chemicals and structures that function with an ‘as of yet to be defined’ self awareness. The theory of evolution purports that humans evolved from one-celled organisms in the Precambrian Quagmire. There is some metaphysical discussion centering around the possibility of humans having been deposited upon this lonely outpost of a planet. From whence ever humans arose, the actual aspects of human functioning remain a mystery. That humans ‘functionally work’ is evident. The working, per se. gives rise to and sustains humans ‘as a (life)form’.
Mental / Spiritual efforts are exhibited and supported by physical actions. Many spiritual activities throughout the world are connected to physical activities. In Buddhism, spiritual advancement is linked to accomplishing numerous prostrations during certain time frame of individual discipleship. Rights of passage for Male Adulthood often entailed and do entail arduous physical labours. Yet, the limits of physicality are a road through which one realizes their inner spiritual energies.
Possessing a healthy body is important for ‘many things’ in 3D existence. Simultaneously, it is the lure of spiritually overcoming an ordeal that can empower an individual to surmount their physicality. In the opening credits for Kung Fu (the series) Kwai Chain Kane is about to undergo his final test / rite of passage that involves dealing with searing pain to indicate the finality of his training and the beginning of his real journey. On the way to his ordeal, he passes those who have endured the same ordeal before him, all accomplished priests and warriors. Basically, the Shaolin School is where the students (disciples) come to understand that there spiritual strengths are a foundation for developing their physical prowess. To a degree, the same can be said for the modern athlete.
The spiritual journey is the developing of and existing in a state of expansive seamlessness. This ‘expansive seamlessness’ is the insight of the totality of self awareness that is incorporated into the all of existence. Basically, there is no fundamental division between oneself and any other thing. One can physically pick up a rock and there is a oneness with the rock; for many, is a bit of a stretch in seeing the connection. This is where physicality and spirituality align. Much like the indigenous American of the northern plains and their reverence for the bison head. Bison skeleton heads, of course, are bones which, for the indigenous tribes, carried spiritual significance for their physical lives. Rituals were performed with the bison skulls to pray to the spirits and gods about life and direction. They were also used in celebration of good fortunes to the tribe, like a successful Bison Hunt. Uniting the spiritual and the physical, in a sense.
Holistic Unity supports the entirety of the the human construct. The personal view is that one cannot be physically involved in an activity without some degree of spiritual connection. There can also be a reciprocal spiritual impetus to acts of volition. Physical action and spiritual. That the spiritual experience and the physical act can occur independent of each other is a certainty. Yet, the improbable becomes more of a possibility when spirituality and physicality are aligned.
Living in the world has been reduced to ‘just existing’. There is little regard given to the spiritual or physical components that can bolster the individual journey through life. It is the responsibility of the single person to come to terms with how they choose to navigate their life journey. What is their chosen spiritual focus? How does one connect to a source of inspiration that gives credence to life? How important is health to the individual? What steps are being effected to ensure physical functionality? Are these aspects being intertwined in a cohesive manner? Being on the spiritual path or the physical wellness path can bring one to a point of conjoining the two for overall wellness and well being. For me, I find that one cannot be part of my journey without the other. Both parts coincide within a unified whole. If more people would develop a deeper relationship with(in) themselves then things could be better; better for them personally and for the world at large.
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Ab-Sutra Wellness and Fitness 