Today, I wanted to look at spirituality from a different angle. Many religions around the world emphasize how important it is to take care of our health and body—treating it as a gift from God, a temple for the spirit, or a tool for achieving spiritual goals.
I often see people focusing on meditation, reflection, or reading inspiring books, but what about the body? It gets left somewhere on the sidelines, neglected. In my opinion, taking care of your health—both through proper diet and physical activity—is crucial for spirituality. And it’s not just about religious commandments, but about practical benefits.
First, a fit body means a clearer mind and better concentration, which really helps with mindfulness and reflection. Second, being healthy makes your faith or spirituality more authentic. In times of illness or crisis, when problems are the motivation for spirituality, it’s easy to be superficial—as the saying goes, “there are no atheists in foxholes.” Health allows you to approach spirituality from a place of strength, not just need.
As St. Paul reminds us in his letter to the Corinthians:
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
This message reminds me that taking care of my body isn’t just a matter of physical health, but also a spiritual duty. My body is the vessel that allows me to experience life and spirituality to the fullest.
Why is the Body Important in Spirituality?
In the search for and deepening of spirituality, it’s easy to focus on the mind, forgetting that our body is a temple for our soul. It’s not just a biological machine, but also an incredibly sensitive instrument that reflects our inner state.
As Swami Vivekananda, one of India’s greatest thinkers and spiritual leaders who introduced the philosophies of yoga and Vedanta to the West, noted:
“First, build up your physique. Only then can you get control over the mind. ‘This Self is not to be attained by the weak’ (Katha Upanishad, I.ii.23).”
Swami Vivekananda emphasized that the body is the foundation on which our ability to work on our minds and spirituality rests. Without a healthy body, it’s hard to achieve inner harmony. His teachings remind us that caring for our physical selves is not just about health, but a key element of spiritual development.
From a biological perspective, a healthy, oxygenated, and nourished body means a more efficient brain. Scientific research has repeatedly confirmed that regular physical activity improves brain neuroplasticity, which is its ability to form new neural connections. This translates into better concentration, memory, and the ability to cope with stress. When my mind is calmer and clearer after a morning run, I can practice mindfulness better and engage in reflection more fully.
Interestingly, science offers incredible insights into how our physical and mental health are deeply connected to our spiritual growth. If you’d like to explore how science and spirituality can work together to support personal development, check out „The Power of Combining Spirituality and Science in Personal Growth”.
Looking at it from an energetic perspective, physical tensions are often a reflection of emotional and spiritual blockages. Chronic back pain, a stiff neck, or a tight stomach are signals our body sends us. Ignoring them is like trying to meditate in a noisy room. When I started exercising and stretching regularly, I noticed that with physical release came the release of old emotions and a greater freedom in the flow of energy.
Pope Paul VI observed:
“Man, though made of body and soul, is a unity. Through his bodily condition he sums up in himself the elements of the material world. Therefore, man may not despise his bodily life. Rather he is obliged to regard his body as good and to hold it in honor since God has created it.”
This reminds us that our body is not just a tool, but an integral part of our spiritual journey. Caring for it is an expression of respect for the gift we have received.
Grounding: The Key to Balance
In spirituality, it’s easy to “float away”—to get lost in abstract concepts and disconnect from reality. Grounding is the practice of being present here and now, consciously connecting with your own body and the earth. It’s an anchor that keeps us balanced and allows us to draw strength from the material world without losing sight of our spiritual purpose.
Many religions and spiritual traditions see the body, mind, and spirit as a unity, and grounding is a practice that lets us connect these three aspects of our existence. When we care for our bodies through movement, breath, and contact with nature, we also support our minds and spirits.
For me, grounding is something very physical. It’s that feeling after an intense strength or interval workout when I can feel every muscle, which reminds me of the strength and vitality of my body. Sometimes, that grounding after an intense workout can last for a few days—so if sports are mainly for health, it’s worth practicing moderation. For me, grounding is also those moments in the summer when I swim in a lake and feel the water on my skin, connecting with nature in the most direct way. It’s also simple things, like a walk in the woods or playing soccer with my son, that bring me back to earth and let me feel the joy of being in a body. Or an ice-cold shower after a sauna—that’s when I really feel alive.
St. Ignatius of Loyola said:
“Remember that physical exercises, if well-ordered, are also a prayer through which you can please God.”
This is a beautiful reminder that movement and physical activity can be not only a way to stay healthy, but also a spiritual connection with God. Every step, every breath during a run or a walk can become an act of gratitude and reflection.
That’s why you don’t need to perform complicated rituals to practice grounding. Just consciously engage your senses with the physical world:
- Feel the earth under your feet: Walk barefoot on grass or sand.
- Focus on your breath: Feel the air filling your lungs and leaving them.
- Engage your body in movement: Dance, run, stretch—whatever makes you feel alive.
A Healthy Mind in a Healthy Body: Physical Benefits for Spirituality
Taking care of the body isn’t an end in itself, but a tool that powerfully supports my spiritual development.
St. John Paul II noted:
“The body, and it alone, is capable of making visible what is invisible: the spiritual and the divine. It has been created to transfer into the visible reality of the world the mystery hidden from eternity in God.”
This reminds us that our body is not just a physical being, but also a tool that allows us to express spirituality in our daily lives. When we care for our body, it becomes more capable of conveying what is invisible—our inner harmony and spiritual depth.
Here are a few benefits I’ve personally experienced:
- Better concentration and perseverance: Regular workouts at the gym or pool have taught me discipline and persistence. The same willpower that makes me do one more rep helps me persevere in longer meditations, even when my mind starts to wander.
- More energy for reflection: When I was in worse physical shape, after a full day of work, I had just enough energy to watch TV. Now, thanks to regular activity, I have more energy for evening reading, writing, or just quiet contemplation.
- Better sleep quality: Healthy fatigue after physical exertion is the best cure for insomnia. As I wrote in my article about sleep, it is my silent ally. Deep, regenerative sleep allows the mind to rest, process emotions, and prepare for the challenges of the next day, including the spiritual ones.
- Reduction of pain and tension: A body free from chronic pain allows the mind to focus on higher goals. When you don’t have to fight physical discomfort, you have more space for mindfulness and inner growth.
Although I don’t practice yoga myself, I’ve read a lot about it and admire how wonderfully it combines work with the body, breath, and mind (though I unconsciously use some of its elements, for example, during stretching). It’s a perfect example of how a physical practice can become a form of meditation in motion and a path to spiritual harmony. I hope to find time for it one day.
Inspiring Others: Why Appearance Matters
This might be a controversial topic. On a spiritual path, should we care about our appearance? In my view, it’s not about vanity, but about authenticity and coherence. When we talk about harmony, balance, and vitality, but our bodies are neglected and lack energy, our words lose credibility.
By taking care of our bodies, we become a living example of what we talk about. You don’t have to look like a cover model, but a healthy, energetic posture is contagious. It inspires others to act and shows that spirituality isn’t an escape from life, but a way to live it to the fullest—in a healthy body and with a cheerful spirit. When a skeptical person sees that a spiritual person is a normal, well-kept individual, it’s easier for them to open up to a conversation.
However, staying true to your spiritual path requires more than just appearances. It’s about authenticity and avoiding the traps of illusion or superficiality. To learn how to distinguish true spirituality from fantasy, read „Fantasy vs. Spirituality: How to Stay True to Your Path”.
Practical Tips: How to Care for Your Body on the Spiritual Path
Integrating body care with spirituality doesn’t have to mean a revolution. Start with small steps:
- Find a movement you love: You don’t have to run marathons. It could be swimming, dancing, cycling, or even daily walks. I personally combine strength training at home or the gym, running, and swimming. Sometimes alone, sometimes with my kids, which also strengthens our bond.
- Eat consciously: Pay attention to what you eat. Treat food as fuel for your body and mind, not just a way to satisfy cravings.
- Prioritize sleep: Take care of your sleep hygiene. Regeneration is key for physical and mental balance.
- Breathe: Dedicate a few minutes a day to conscious, deep breathing. It’s the simplest way to connect your mind and body.
- Create your rituals: It could be a morning stretch combined with a short meditation or an evening walk to calm your thoughts. Find what works for you.
Obstacles and Challenges: How to Overcome Them
On the path to body and spirit harmony, challenges will surely arise.
- Lack of time: I know how it is. Work, family, obligations. The key isn’t finding extra hours in the day, but consciously managing your energy. Sometimes a 15-minute workout is better than none at all.
- Perfectionism: You don’t have to be perfect. It’s about progress, not perfection. Everyone has bad days. The important thing is not to give up and to get back to physical activity.
- Lack of motivation: Motivation comes and goes. That’s why discipline and building habits are more important. Don’t wait for the desire—just start doing it. Your future self will thank you for it.
When I feel discouraged, I remind myself why I’m doing this. I’m doing it for myself—for my health, peace of mind, and the energy I can then share with my children, for example. And even more, I’m setting a good example and inspiring them to live a healthier lifestyle.
The Harmony of Body and Spirit is the Key to a Full Life
Many spiritual traditions, from Hinduism, through Christianity and Islam, to Buddhism and Judaism, emphasize the unity of body, mind, and spirit. Each of them reminds us that taking care of the body is not just a matter of physical health, but also a spiritual duty. The body is the tool that allows us to achieve our spiritual goals, support our minds, and deepen our inner harmony. Regardless of faith, caring for the body is an expression of respect for the gift of life and the foundation of a fuller, more conscious existence.
Spirituality without being grounded in the body can become an illusion. A body without spiritual awareness is just a vessel devoid of deeper meaning. The true fullness of life lies in their harmonious connection. When we treat our bodies with love and respect, they reward us with energy, health, and clarity of mind, which are essential on any spiritual path.
Don’t see taking care of your body as another task on your to-do list, but see it as respect for yourself—treat it as one of the foundations of your development. Start with a small step—maybe today you’ll choose the stairs instead of the elevator, or go for a short walk, leaving your phone at home. Your body, your mind, and your soul will thank you for it.
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AI Disclosure
I see my thoughts as the essence, much like the soul, and AI helps me give them form. It supports me with research, translation, and organizing ideas, but every perspective is my own. Curious how I use AI? Read more here.
