by Mary Mageau of Insights Newsletter

When we first awaken and begin our journey into the light, we often become more involved with the work, activities and aspects that pertain to our mental, emotional and spiritual bodies. On occasion the needs and requirements of the physical body can be relegated to the back seat. But the physical body is equally important because it grounds us into the world of form and dominates our perceptions when we are alive. It is the slowest vibrating body with the most solid definition. It is the most limited body, and yet we must possess a physical body in order to develop spiritually and ultimately realize enlightenment.

We begin to open a pathway toward loving and appreciating our physical bodies by first practicing self-respect and self-esteem. Without this, a poor self-image could act as a barrier. This state of mind will prevent spiritual gifts from flowing into us from the higher realms. Right now there is an extremely harmful and manipulative thought form that penetrates all images coming from our various forms of media. These unconscious messages instill a sense of personal unhappiness with the way our bodies look. It has now affected children as young as four years of age. We can never be thin enough, shapely enough, beautiful enough, tall or muscular enough to attract friendship and love to ourselves. A heavily commercialized cosmetic surgery industry accompanies this and is well serviced. A nip and tuck here, some botox or an implant there, and all for a hefty price. This thought form is poisonous and can lead to extreme eating disorders. We must be consciously aware of it to be able to counteract its negative content. Ignore the constant media exposure to stick thin child models, careering around on stiletto heels. Refuse to participate emotionally and judgementally in news reports targeting obese people or showcasing "The Biggest Loser". While we should all make the effort to look as attractive, healthy and presentable as we can, I direct these criticisms toward the extremes that are being presented to us at this time. Despite all the negative conditioning that makes us unhappy with our bodies, we must realize what a wonderful gift our body is. The positive reflections listed below may help to begin this process.

* Your body is a masterpiece, intricate in function, unique in its mix of attributes and abilities. Give it praise for you are wonderfully and singularly made.

* To exist within a body is a magnificent gift. Keeping fit and healthy by doing some gentle exercise, honours the sacredness of that gift.

* Take some quiet time out during your day. Meditation fuses your inner and outer selves, making you one with your body.

* Be attentive to nutrition. Your body is fashioned from Earth and from Earth’s harvest it draws its well-being. Listen to your body. It will tell you what it needs. Don’t overfeed or underfeed it.

* Picture how you want your body to look; imagine how you want it to feel. Your mind will steer your body toward your goal; your heart will provide the fuel.

* Just as a plant thrives on the caress of sunlight so your body thrives on touch. Take up arms, your own two arms, to give and receive many hugs.

* The cells of your body are composed of matter recycled since the beginning of the universe. You are stardust. Let your light shine like the heavens.

* Each of our bodies is a cell within the cosmic body of God.

* As we live each lifetime through a body, our Great Creator experiences what it is to be human.

Regarding ageing we must all, particularly the senior citizens among us, cease thinking about old age or getting old, and think instead in terms of longevity and seniority. When we surrender to positive feeling and experiencing, our lives grow longer. When we close down through rejection, being in fear and making judgements, we create a speed-up in the aging process. Through releasing blocked energies, while allowing our consciousness to experience the movements of these energies, the blocked energies will move on allowing the body to repair itself. Many blocked energies can be released by simply stretching our muscles as we stand, lie or sit. Do this gently without straining, a little each day.

In our near future we will inhabit a body of light that will look youthful and beautiful and will not deteriorate or die. The light body can be regenerated so that injuries and scars are changed through the consciousness that controls and inhabits these bodies. When we can conceive of living in a body halfway between the physical realm and light, where it does not decay but instead becomes a shimmering mass that is the blueprint for the immortal physical body that will come into being. This light body is the reconciliation between the soul and the dense physical body, between the physical and the spiritual. It is the fully energetic, perfect container for our evolving souls as it allows for the total use of all our spiritual skills and abilities. This light body is our true destiny.