Caring for Our Physical Health: A Pathway Towards Spiritual and Productive Growth
Volume 23, Chapter VIII, Number 028
Hello!
This Week’s One Great Thing: Caring for Our Physical Health: A Pathway Towards Spiritual and Productive Growth
Last month, I found myself in an unexpected place: the hospital. My body, which I’ve treated in an almost cavalier way the past months, finally protested and it came out as an infection. I was in the hospital for almost a week. The doctor confirmed that my body’s defenses were lowered due to stress and poor sleep. The hospital stay was a time to rest, and find balance again which made me realise how my physical health and my ability to work productively were deeply intertwined.
When push comes to shove, when things become extra busy at work, our health is usually taken for granted. Our physical health is a crucial participant in our work and spiritual life. Today, as I started my day, I paused and meditated. From now on, I will strive to begin my day not with emails or to-do lists, but with a simple act of self-care that anchors me in the present moment and sets the tone for the rest of the day. For me it is this:
My Morning Ritual:
-
As soon as I wake up, I go straight and take a cold shower. I've studied this for some time. And while personally cold showers benefit ME, there's a body of scientific evidence to back this personal experience.
One of the most noteworthy studies was conducted by the Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam, which examined the effects of cold showers on health and productivity. The study, published in PLoS ONE, found that individuals who took cold showers were absent 29% less from work due to sickness compared to those who took hot showers. Participants also reported increased energy levels, which can be attributed to the body's response to cold, stimulating the circulatory system and increasing endorphin levels, often described as a 'natural high'.
Furthermore, a study published in the North American Journal of Medical Sciences suggested that cold showers could have a significant impact on mood and sleep. The study found that cold showers stimulate the blue spot in the brain, which is the primary source of noradrenaline, a chemical that could help mitigate depression. This implies that a cold morning shower could enhance mood and induce a sense of mental alertness, thereby setting a positive tone for the day. -
Prepare coffee. I don’t drink instant coffee because I want to make preparing coffee part of my ritual. I ground the beans, heat the water to boiling, and prepare a pour- over to start my day. It’s a ritual that calms me, and besides the smell of freshly ground coffee in the morning is a great wake me upper.
-
I then do a very short meditation. I usually get a 5 min guided meditation from youtube like this: 5 Minute Meditation You Can Do Anywhere or this, or even this one by the Navy Seals.
This morning ritual is more than just a physical exercise; it's a physical manifestation of my commitment to both my spiritual and productive growth. The harmony between our mind, body, and spirit is a delicate balance, and this balance is the root of both spiritual and productive growth.
But what is this connection between our physical health and spiritual and productive growth? Isn't spirituality all about the mind and soul? Isn't productivity all about mental prowess and focus?
I see it this way: our bodies are our vessels, our vehicles. They're our means of interacting with the world around us (my Philosophy classes remind me that our bodies allow us to say, I EXIST!). Our bodies allow us to literally make our mark in the world. Without a healthy body, our capacity to engage with the world, to grow, to contribute, is drastically reduced.
Think about a time when you were physically unwell. Maybe it was a simple cold or something more serious. How much of a discomfort was that? How much did you get done during that time? Not only were you probably less able to focus, but the discomfort or pain likely made it hard to accomplish much at all.
Physical health plays a key role in our productivity. A healthy body gives us the energy and vitality we need to focus, to work effectively, and to stay resilient in the face of challenges. It also promotes mental clarity, creativity, and positive mood, all of which contribute to our capacity to be productive.
In many spiritual traditions as well, the body is seen as a temple, a sacred vessel that houses our spirit or soul. It's through our bodies that we can engage in spiritual practices like meditation, prayer, or yoga. We are reminded that we are embodied spirits: it's through our bodies that we experience the world, that we connect with others, that we express love, compassion, and kindness.
Physical health enhances our spiritual practices by improving our ability to focus, to stay present, and to enter into a meditative or prayerful state. It also enables us to carry out acts of service, to contribute to our communities, and to engage in other spiritually meaningful activities.
At the same time, the act of caring for our physical health IS a SPIRITUAL PRACTICE in itself. It's an act of respect for the life we've been given and a way of honouring the interconnectedness of all life. Ultimately, caring for our bodies is a path towards self-discipline and greater self-awareness.
This doesn't mean you have to start running marathons or become a yoga master. Small, consistent steps are often the most powerful. Maybe it's a daily walk, a few minutes of stretching in the morning, or swapping out one unhealthy food for a healthier alternative. It could start with mindful eating, or mindful breathing. The key is to find practices that work for you, that you enjoy, and that you can sustain over the long term.
Remember, taking care of our bodies isn't just about looking good or avoiding illness (although that's a great plus!). It's really a way of nurturing our whole selves, of creating the physical conditions for our spiritual and productive growth, and of living out our values and purpose.
Going back to my Morning Ritual, every time I start my day right, I carry this sense of connection and tranquility into the rest of my day. Each physical task, each moment of work, becomes an extension of that initial act of self-care. As I sip on my coffee, I am reminded that this isn't just "breakfast," it's an act of self-love.
"Behind every successful person is a substantial amount of coffee." - Anonymous
Even in my workspace, as I adjust my chair, making sure it's at the right height, that my back is well-supported. Good posture (as my wife would constantly remind me) isn't just about avoiding back pain; it's also about enhancing focus and alertness. Simple adjustments like these can contribute significantly to our productivity, ensuring that we're physically comfortable and able to concentrate on the task at hand.
But this goes beyond just physical comfort. Our posture can also affect our mindset, our mood, and even our confidence. Sitting or standing tall, maintaining an open posture – these can not only improve our physical health but also elevate our psychological state, bolstering our productivity and our spiritual well-being.
Even rest, an often overlooked aspect of physical health, plays a crucial role in our spiritual and productive growth. Quality sleep rejuvenates our bodies, sharpens our minds, and restores our spirits. It's a time of healing, of integration, of renewal. Making a conscious effort to prioritise sleep and rest can, therefore, have a profound impact on all areas of our lives.
Moreover, moments of rest can also be moments of spiritual practice. They're opportunities to let go, to surrender, to trust in the natural rhythms of life. They're a reminder of the importance of balance, of the need to respect our limits, of the beauty of stillness amidst the busyness of life. I remember how St. Ignatius always asks his Jesuits to take a week long vacation called Villa.
So I end this with an invitation. I invite you to explore this connection for yourself. To treat your body not as an afterthought but as an integral part of your spiritual and productive journey. To listen to its wisdom, to honour its needs, to celebrate its capabilities. And as you do so, you'll find that caring for your physical health isn't just a means to an end; it's a path towards greater wholeness, deeper connection, and more meaningful growth.
If this email was forwarded to you, pls subscribe to receive new posts and support this work by clicking this link.
More Great Stuff from the 🗃️ Archives:
✅ Trends That Will Shape the World of Work
Ok! Now pause, get yourself to a window, look up to the sky, smile, and have a great day! Look forward to send you another letter next week!
☕ eric santillan