This body is a gift from life
So close we often see it not
So hidden are its inner workings
So efficient are its inner workings
We think it needs little from us
What harm we do it corrects
As best it can
For as long as it can
No manual guides us

Over the centuries
Since the dawn of early time
Seldom did our social wisdom
Guide us to healthy living
No science
To inform us of our physical needs
Only the cries of our own bodies
Its aches and pain
Its dysfunctions and death
Gave warning
That something was wrong
But we knew not
Their meaning
The body cries
But does not tell
Of what is wrong within
So we neglect this vehicle
And live for decades
In bad ways
And then suffer
Because of our neglect
But do not claim
Responsibility
We lived to satisfy
Our needs
We live seldom thinking
Of this vehicle
That is us

A myriad of times
Every day
We think of our wants
Of the things we have to do
To live socially
To live economically
To live happily
Or even just to get by
Just to avoid
The anxieties and pains
Of life
Seldom of caring
For this body
Of sitting right
Of walking right
Of proper daily
Physical activity
Of maintaining muscle relaxation
Of learning proper bowel control
Of keeping a healthy bladder
Of protecting our hearing
Of using our eyes
In healthy ways
Of cleaning our bodies
Without hurting them
Of breathing right
Of protecting our joints
Of having regular good healthy sex
Of maintaining proper balance
Of energy
Of nutrients
Of water
Of wakefulness and sleep
Of temperature
There is much we have to do
In the conscious interlude
Of the day

And there is much
We have to do
To ensure a healthy night
Enough time
Not too little
Not too much
Right temperature
Right comfort
For sleep brings healing
To all the systems
In our bodies
And in our minds

To live
A long and glorious life
We need to be mindful
Not only of life’s meaning
But of the realities
Of life lived
Our times with others
Our times with our mind
And our constant time
Within our body
For it is what makes
Everything else possible
It needs us to develop
Habits of care and renewal
So that that in which we travel
Allows us to travel well

It is a gift
That comes with responsibility
So much in our lives
Will depend upon
How we exercise
That responsibility