Albert Einstein once said, “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” This quote is a poignant reminder of how often we base our self-concept on external beliefs and expectations. From how we should look to how we should act, and how safe it is to be our authentic selves, these accumulated beliefs can shape our reality in limiting ways.
The Burden of External Expectations
We often judge ourselves against societal standards, much like a fish feeling inadequate for not being able to climb a tree. This misalignment can cause profound dissatisfaction and self-judgment. The question we must ask ourselves is: Who or what are we measuring ourselves against? Are we like that fish, erroneously believing we’re supposed to be climbing trees?
One of the requirements for being human is having a physical body. While this amazing, highly-sophisticated vessel offers all sorts of wonderful possibilities and experiences, it also presents its challenges. Whether negotiating its sensitivities in a chaotic outer world, or dealing with any number of angst points (illness, injury, pain, physical limitations, alienation, shame, disfigurement, addictions, etc.) including the ultimate threat of annihilation through death, we cannot escape the ramifications of being in a body.
As spiritual beings having a physical experience, it’s easy to get stuck in the beliefs and dictates of our body’s appearance. This disconnect can create significant barriers in experiencing ourselves as both human and divine.
You might relate to some of these scenarios:
- When looking in the mirror, you fixate on perceived flaws.
- Getting dressed, your satisfaction is hindered by concerns about tightness, weight, or recent food and exercise choices.
- You compare yourself physically to others, feeling inadequate.
- You oscillate between rigid control over aspects of your body (like food or exercise) and feeling utterly out of control.
- You avoid certain people or situations if you don’t feel “enough” in some way—be it thin enough, attractive enough, fit enough, or capable enough.
If any of these resonate with you, you might have conflicts around the concept of being a spiritual being having a physical experience.
Embracing Our Embodiment
Despite the archetype of the spiritual master fasting in a cave, we don’t need to deny or reject our physical form to live a transformational and inspiring life. Each of us has the potential to embody love, ease, and even spiritual transcendence, regardless of our body’s appearance or state. Moving beyond the mindset of ‘not okay-ness’ regarding our bodies allows us to realize the highest possibilities of our physical embodiment.
This shift can result in:
- Lessening susceptibility to moods, situations, or circumstances that typically upset us.
- Experiencing greater resilience, reducing the need to protect ourselves from external influences.
- Gaining control over our reactions and experiences, appreciating our body as an ally rather than a foe.
By exploring the gifts within our physiological and energetic makeup, what once felt like a weakness can become a source of strength and comfort. This involves uncovering and dissolving subconscious, limiting beliefs that hamper our ability to feel safe, loved, and right in our bodies and lives. Embracing new, empowering truths allows us to replace unconscious illusions with a whole-body/mind experience of self-worth, self-approval, self-love, and safety.
Navigating Physical Challenges
Despite the challenges each of us has, is, or will face with our physicality, it is possible to feel at ease and trusting in our body. To make peace with the war of self-judgment, differences, discomfort, disease, or dislike of our body and instead actually enjoy, nurture, and feel good as an embodied being, even when our physical experience is less than what we might want it to be.
If you’ve been reading my newsletter and articles, then you may know that for the past 34 years, I’ve lived with a chronic pain condition called Trigeminal Neuralgia – severe nerve pain that slices across the face and is considered the most painful of human conditions. To say it’s been a powerful companion is no understatement! But it’s also been my greatest teacher, and the lessons have continued to point me in one direction – love.
My body has been my personal laboratory, within which I’ve dissected, examined, struggled with, lost (much) sleep, and ultimately found the only direction and remedy that truly heals, regardless of whether anything changes in my physical experience or not: Love. Peace. Gratitude. For this blessed life. For the people I have met. The places I have been. The experiences I have had, within this sweet, tender, precious vessel, allowing me this amazing journey.
If you struggle with anything to do with being embodied, this is an invitation into a more trusting, enjoyable and respectful relationship with what has been your most faithful lifelong partner – your body.