I thank my body for being the vehicle that enables me to be alive on the earth – instead of being angry at it for being in a wheelchair, fighting my weakness, focusing on what is not working “normally”. I am not “owed” a body which is considered perfect and normal, just like no one is owed a life without pain. Whatever I am born with is what my soul needs to accomplish its task through my life.
To remind myself to thank my body, I wear bracelets. I got the idea from the red string worn by Kabbalists – the red thread is considered to be protective against negative thoughts. It is a reminder to emulate the modest ways of Rachel – consideration, compassion, and selflessness for the benefit of others, always remembering to give charity to the poor and needy. If you live a life of love, the negativity of others has no effect on you. Interesting fact: Kabbalah, from the Hebrew root Qof-Beit-Lamed, meaning “to receive, to accept” fits in well with Christian beliefs, the way I was raised. There were, in fact, Christian scholars who called themselves Cabalists.
When I put on a bracelet in the morning, I am reminded to appreciate my body and also to have compassion for myself and others.
It makes me happy.
DivineLoveDivineLife 