physical body and spiritual growth

Why Is Loving Your Body Essential for Spiritual Growth?


 

On this blog, we often speak about the soul, subtle energies, and the spiritual realities that lie beyond the reach of our physical eyes. Yet, we must not forget the role of the physical body. It, too, carries immense importance in our earthly life. Some believe that once we step onto a spiritual path, caring for the body is no longer necessary. Others even practice harsh forms of self-denial—fasting, flagellation, or other acts of mortification—in an attempt to conquer desires and passions. Even the Buddha once explored this path, only to discover that it offered little true liberation from suffering.

 

Gratitude for the Miracle of the Body

Above all, we must learn to cultivate deep gratitude for our physical body. It is an extraordinary “machine,” a living vessel that allows us to exist and act in the material world. Thank your legs for carrying you to countless places; thank your hands for all the work they’ve done on your behalf. Notice the invisible processes constantly happening within you—digestion after a meal, the automatic flow of breath feeding oxygen into each cell. You do not consciously command these miracles; the body orchestrates them for you.

And your body is beautiful. Only human judgment casts shadows of “ugliness.” We say: my nose is too big, my legs too thick, my chest too small. Yet another person may see those very traits as endearing, even lovable. What you criticize in yourself, others may cherish wholeheartedly.

 

self image

 

A Lesson in Self-Acceptance

Last weekend, I was asked by a family in the park to take their picture. As I raised the camera, one woman—around seventy years old—shifted uncomfortably, trying to turn her body sideways. Curious, I asked why. She admitted that she thought she was overweight and felt the need to hide her body in photos, pulling in her stomach to appear more “acceptable.”

Her confession struck me deeply. How sad that even at seventy, instead of radiating confidence, she still felt compelled to shrink herself, to disappear. For me, it was a powerful reminder: never, ever be ashamed of your body. Love it unconditionally. Be grateful for it. Do not criticize, reject, or attempt to hide it. A body scorned will eventually weaken under the weight of such rejection.

 

Prana: The Vital Energy of Life

The body can survive about a month without food, a week without water, a few minutes without air, but not even a second without prana. Prana—also called “life force” or “vital energy”—is the universal current flowing through all creation. When prana is blocked or depleted, illness arises. When prana flows freely, the body feels alive, the mind grows clear, and emotions remain balanced.

We draw prana mainly from the air we breathe. Shallow, hurried breathing fuels anxiety; deep, rhythmic breaths cultivate peace. We also receive prana from sunlight, particularly in the early morning hours. Even living in a sunlit home increases the flow of prana within you. Nature is another abundant source—walking barefoot on grass, touching trees, climbing mountains, or strolling along the beach all replenish this sacred energy. Conversely, polluted environments tend to drain it.

 

Food and the Energy of Life

Fresh, living foods are rich in prana, infused with the energy of the sun and earth. That is why eating ripe fruit or vibrant vegetables leaves you feeling light, nourished, and uplifted. In contrast, processed and artificial foods are depleted of life force. They may provide calories but no vitality. Over time, they lead you further toward illness rather than health.

In yogic philosophy, foods high in prana are called sattvic—pure, harmonizing, and life-supporting. Foods that overstimulate are rajasic, and those that dull the mind and weigh down the body are tamasic. Exploring these categories can help you recognize which foods support your well-being and which slowly deplete it.

One of serious threats to health is sugar. It feeds parasites, cancers, and other diseases. It destroys beneficial gut bacteria, undermines immunity, and creates addiction as powerful as narcotics. Sugar today hides behind countless names on ingredient labels. You may think you are eating a “healthy” yogurt or salad, but unless you check the label carefully, you may be consuming spoonfuls of hidden sugar in the dressing or flavoring. Awareness is your shield.

Your emotional well-being is inseparably tied to the health of your physical body. When the body thrives, emotions find stability. When the body is neglected, emotions spiral. Caring for your body is not merely a material act—it is a spiritual responsibility. In loving your body, you love the very vessel through which your soul experiences this world.

 

 

About the Author:

Marianna oversees the daily operations of The Dr. Wanda Pratnicka Center, skillfully advising staff members on guiding clients through the spirit removal process. Her efforts extend beyond management; she is dedicated to raising awareness about the phenomenon of spirit possession, utilizing various platforms including events, books, and digital media. In her leisure time, Marianna delights in gardening, immerses herself in reading, and explores new natural wonders.

 

Stay tuned for enlightening new blog posts EVERY SUNDAY - your weekly dose of inspiration and guidance. 

 

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

1. You can find more information about common symptoms of spirit attachment / possession here:

SYMPTOMS OF SPIRIT ATTACHMENT 

2. How to check whether you or your loved one are experiencing a spirit attachment?

REQUEST CHECK-UP 

3. Want to learn more about how we remove spirits?

SPIRIT REMOVAL PROCESS 

 

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