Blessing for the Body

Our Home in the World

We pledge allegiance to our bodies, which have served so faithfully for all these many years. We offer thanks for strong legs and fierce bellies and clear eyes and wide-open hearts. We acknowledge the incredible might and mystery that has kept lungs breathing and limbs moving and hands reaching out to the wider world. 

Oh, dear body, how difficult we make your journey - sometimes deliberately and sometimes in confusion. Perhaps we've overworked you or underfed you or shunned or shamed you. We’ve shown you so little mercy and have given you few reprieves. And we have too often treated you as unworthy or un-beautiful or simply not good enough. 

We have even lived with the illusion that something is truly wrong with you (which means, of course, with us). We have labored with the mistaken assumption that with enough will and determination we might shape you into something other than who you already are and who you were meant to be.

And what you already are, this one and only portal to the world, is beautiful. You have taken us on unfathomable journeys and have led us through unexpected adventures. You have been the home for happiness and bright thoughts. You have allowed us to participate in acts of creation and deep care. You are the lifeline to the infinite and the vessel through which the world's greater light flows.

We pledge allegiance to you (to us), beautiful body. We promise to honor and appreciate your strength and your steadfastness. We promise to take good care, offering you nourishment and fresh air and rest and delight. We pledge to treat you with same compassion and tenderness that we strive to offer all beings.

We bow to you (to us). Thank you for being our home in the world.