What is Your Total Fitness Level?

We don’t often think of our total body as an important instrument. When we, as caregivers, change our perception of self-care, we will discover that our body not only functions as a physical, mental and emotional entity but it also houses our sacred life force – the spirit – our true essence. As a result, our taking care of the “Temple that houses the Holy Spirit” in daily life will take on a whole new meaning. And as this meaning clears in our understanding, we will realize that total health has three dimensions, which includes self-care for our physical, emotional, and mental selves. The spirit takes care of itself; the other three have to catch up, submitting to follow the “wise one’s” lead. The Creator made us to be healthy in all areas, but we have sadly dropped the ball.

• Your body is an instrument that, when well-tuned, emanates greater harmony. Your spirit is like the music of a grand piano, and God is asking that you allow that piano to be played as it was designed in order for your creations and existence to be a harmonious melody.

• Your physical energy must be maintained to stay in balance. Your energy system is fragile therefore you are always in a delicate state of balance. Anything that causes your emotions to move from Love – your true state of being – to the place of ego can pull you out of harmony, and that is when imbalance or illness can begin to set in.

• Your actions ought to line up to promote longevity and health. Are you consistently talking and walking with the Creator? Are you speaking using compassionate and prosperous language? Are you behaving as though you are love incarnate, and generally taking care of yourself as if you were proud of your existence and heritage – heirs of the Divine? Your life is special and something to be held as sacred.

A Caregiver’s state of health is very fragile. It is known, through extensive research, that caregivers, of family members with health challenges, are less likely to engage in preventative health practices. The consumption of unhealthy foods and drink is greater in those who give care. Caregivers of family members and healthcare patients do not exercise. Most disheartening is that caregivers do not pay attention to their medical needs because they are consumed with their caregiving tasks. In some cases, it is difficult to get to the doctor or hospital due to no one being available to watch the family member or lack of transportation.

This goes to show that when we are taking care of and worrying about others, we ignore our own well-being – most times out of neglect. But there are those situations when it is out of numbness to the stress the body is enduring. Then we move into fear of it being too late to make a change. It’s NEVER too late! We just have to adjust our priorities and choose differently. The Divine Creator God is graciously waiting for us to choose differently.