Discipline in Body and Spirit
Working out is a great way to discipline yourself. It requires sacrifice. It requires saying no to what you do not need and yes to what you need. Some people choose to workout to lose weight. Some choose to workout to gain weight or muscle. Either way, achieving healthy weight loss or weight gain requires a change in behavior patterns, and as we know, it is difficult to change behaviors that have most likely followed the person for most of their life.
In the midst of the change, there is the temptation of your previous habits. This could take the form of craving pizza, ice cream, favorite cereal or go-to fast food restaurant. There could be multiple silent victories where a person denied their pleasures, but it only takes a moment to revert back to your previous self. Then the temptation to let go of the journey starts to settle. To let go of your aspiration because it may have been too lofty or unattainable. This mirrors our spiritual life as well. We experience the temptation to sin (lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, pride) and even though it may feel like we have taken steps forward, any step back can feel discouraging as if maybe sainthood was not made for us. We have internal dissonance.
Romans 7:19: For I do not do the good I want, but I do the evil I do not want.
We desire to live our lives to the full. When we are physically healthy we can present ourselves in life as our best selves with energy and joy ready to be given at our disposal. When we are spiritually healthy we are in communion with God, the angels and saints, and with those around us. There is a sense of harmony. In your physical journey, it may look like, you eating a couple of cupcakes and feeling bad that day. Remember, the next morning is a new day, give yourself grace, and keep towards your goals.
Even in our shortcomings, there is hope. Romans 5:20 states “Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more”. This means there is no end to God’s mercy. We pick ourselves up in full confidence knowing God will forgive us, visit the sacrament of reconciliation with a repentant heart, and can continue on the path of righteousness.
We have the opportunity to glorify God with our bodies and choose to discipline our passions. We can practice the virtue of temperance during our health journey. We can practice the virtue of fortitude by staying steadfast in the pursuit of our health goals. This is a great way to practice self-control and allow your yes to mean yes and no to mean no.
Some practical tools to sticking towards your physical goals:
Start by making small changes. This could be introducing water. This could be increasing daily steps. Be honest with where you are and make small steps towards your goal.
Use SMART goal planning. The acronym stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. You can’t just say “I want to lose weight”. How much weight? How do you know you hit your goal? It also needs to be realistic. Saying “I want to lose 30 pounds in 30 days” is not realistic or healthy. Using this as a template to plan your fitness goal will give you a good starting point.
Choose something you enjoy. Some people will enjoy the gym, others won’t. Some will enjoy a particular sport, others will enjoy a walk around the park. Choose something you can stick to that brings you some level of joy or peace.
Lastly, have patience and love yourself in the process. Our spiritual journey is a lifelong journey. Sainthood is not made in one moment, but a culmination of moments. So is our physical journey not the sum of one meal or one exercise, but the continual choice to stick to the healthy path.