The body. We all have one. Many people take it for granted and don’t really think much about it. While others hate it for the way it looks or its lack of function. Some of us struggle with various symptoms and pains that make us want to get rid of it completely. What’s your relationship with your body?

The body is our home. In fact, the only lasting home we have throughout our lives. And our only chance to express ourselves in this world, to create and experience and simply be human here. It’s the tool for human life. So, what do you want to experience through your body?

Instead of focusing on how it looks, focus on how it feels. Instead of focusing on it impressing others, focus on what function you are looking for. You are not your body, you have it. And at the same time, you can’t throw away, replace or reject your body. Because you live in it, your whole life.

Over the years, I have developed a loving relationship with my body. A strong relationship filled with trust, respect, and authenticity. A relationship where I often check in and ask; Darling body, what do you need? What would make you feel really good right now? What do you want me to quit or do less often? What do you want more of?

I used to feel very disappointed with my body, because it was sick, created problems and did not look like the ideal. But it was not the body’s fault. It does the best it can, every day for me, to create and maintain balance. Every second it heals for me. So today I have a partnership with my body where we have a dialogue and listen to each other’s needs.

And sometimes, of course, I lose my footing and push it a little too hard, not listening in or damaging it in different ways. Then I need to come back and apologize, ask what I can do now to repair, listen to its needs and act accordingly. My body does not want to feel bad, it wants to be in balance. Sometimes I can affect the balance and sometimes the factors that create the imbalance are beyond my control. It really doesn’t matter, I focus on what I can influence. And do the best I can with what I have. Without comparing with other people’s bodies and their function.

When we are in a good place, me and my body, when the relationship is strong and listening, I can also ask it for that little extra. But no matter what, it always meets me halfway and does the best it can, based on its ability to fulfill all my dreams in life. It fights every day for me to enjoy, for me to experience and feel. You’ll probably need look hard for a more loyal friend.

What do you want to use your body for? What do you want to experience in this life? How do you want to feel in your body when you wake up in the morning? How do you want to feel when you go to bed at night? How do you want to be with your body?

Maybe you want to be able to run fast, jump high or carry heavy things? Or you want to cope with your strenuous work and be able to concentrate for longer periods? Maybe you want to see and hear and feel and smell and taste all the nuances of life? Or you want to be able to play wildly with your kids and see them grow up and be involved in their lives for a long time still?

Your body is your most faithful companion through life. So kind and so valuable. Love it, take care of it, listen to it, and it will do its very best to serve you as long as you are here.

This is a guest post. The opinions expressed are the writer’s own.