We all have our stories, the stories we have accumulated along our life journey. I see our bodies as our own personal storybooks. Our bodies are a manifestation of all our trials and tribulations. Each trauma, each memory, each experience marks our body in some way–bringing joy that’s heartening; fear that’s exhausting; worry that’s depleting; comfort that completes; and love that’s all encompassing. These emotions create a permanent space and a lasting impression.
All these stories make us who we are and shape our bodies physically, mentally, and emotionally. Aging comes with a price, revisiting the hardships and adventures that we’ve asked our bodies to adapt and adjust to. Long-term smoking comes with illnesses of the lungs and heart. Long-term drinking affects the liver. Environmental or work toxicity can lead to cancers from chemical exposure. Overexposure to the sun can result in prematurely aging skin, as well as assorted skin cancers. Deep sadness and grief can ultimately affect the lungs and heart (from a Chinese medicine perspective). Holding on to worry can lead to digestive maladies and chronic intestinal health issues. Our physical and emotional traumas are carried in our body throughout our lifetime.
Time will tell just how far our own bodies can maintain balance and an equilibrium before reaching a point when they collapse into unhealthy conditions and poor health. The older we get the more focus we must place on finding balance and peace in our stories. Adequate exercise, proper nutrition, meditation, yoga, pilates, acupuncture, massage, chiropractic, self-care practices are essentials in finding internal peace and harmony– allowing our bodies to tell a happier and healthier life story.
Contributor
Acupuncturist, herbalist, Maya abdominal practitioner, and reflexologist Christina Morris is the founder of Element Natural Healing Arts. Writing about health and wellness gives her an outlet to express her care and concern for her beloved community. She believes everyone can achieve better health and happiness–emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually.