How does having the spirit with you affect your health, and how does your health affect your ability to feel the spirit? In a Sunday school class I recently received a list of things that indicate whether or not you are feeling the spirit. I have edited the list to be slightly shorter than the original. This list is by Elder Marvin J Ashton. It reads:
When you have the Spirit
- You feel in control, you don’t over-eat or over-sleep; you don’t feel uncontrollable passions or desires or lose your temper. You don’t feel uncontrollably drawn to sensational entertainment.
- You think about the Savior often and lovingly; you want to know Him better.
- You feel confident and are glad to be alive.
When you don’t have the Spirit
- You feel emotions and appetites so strongly you fear you cannot control them – hate, jealousy, anger, lust, fatigue.
- You hardly ever think of the Savior; He seems irrelevant to your life, or worse, part of a confusing system that seems to work against you.
- You get discouraged easily and wonder if life is really worth it.
This quote really struck home to me. As I think about the times that I struggle to be in tune with the spirit, it coincides with the times that I am not taking caring of myself physically in one way or another. I find that when I am overly tired or eating poorly that I allow myself to focus on things that do not allow me to recognize the gospel.
The way we treat our bodies really does affect the way we feel about ourselves. When we recognize that Heavenly Father watches over us and cares about us we are able to accomplish more and feel more at peace in our lives in general. In addition to reading our scriptures and praying, we should focus on caring for ourselves in the manner that He wants us to. Think about the counsel in the Word of Wisdom and other scriptures. We should take care with what we choose to eat and how we care for our bodies.
Additionally we should focus on the positive aspects of ourselves instead of the negative. If we are trying to change bad habits, look for the ways that you have succeeded instead of the ways that you have failed. Also focusing on service and others can really help us to get past worrying about our shortcomings and ourselves. There is a great deal of peace that you can find as you reach out and help those around you.
Our physical bodies are homes to our spirits, and it is important that we take the best care of them that we can. As you look for ways that you can improve your spirituality, you should also consider the ways that you can improve your health. As you do this a greater sense of peace and purpose can come into your life.
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