The Body is a Magic Wand
What is a Body?
What is this vessel that we move around in every day?
Seriously, what is it?
Everything that we do, every goal that we seek to accomplish, and every experience we have would not be possible without our use of the body. No matter where you’d like to go or what you’d like to see, none of it would be possible without the body. So why do most of us know practically nothing about how our own bodies function?
In my opinion, our collective ignorance about how our bodies work is the main cause of our poor health. If we had a better understanding of how they function, we’d make much better life decisions. We’d be obsessed with moving better, eating better, and living better. We’d make better choices about how we use our bodies so that they could perform optimally, facilitating a more optimal life.
Whoever or whatever created us decided in their infinite wisdom that all we needed to do whatever was required of us was a body. So why wouldn’t we make it a priority, both as individuals and as a society, to learn as much as we can about it?
Our lack of knowledge about the only thing we truly own and possess at every moment of our lives leads us to place its care in the hands of other individuals such as doctors, nurses, therapists, and personal trainers. While it may seem beneficial to rely on health professionals, in the long run, it is detrimental to our overall well-being.
Some of you may disagree with me, and I am open to debate. However, I am curious about how you can argue against a society where individuals have extensive knowledge of their own bodies. If we collectively understood the effects of sugar on the body, would we allow the FDA to sanction the inclusion of sugar in most food products? During a major health pandemic, would we permit fast food restaurants to remain open? Would children in our schools spend so much time seated in rooms devoid of sunlight and fresh air? Would pharmaceutical companies have the resources, power, and influence they currently enjoy?
I believe our society would function very differently if we all possessed a deep understanding of our bodies. Imagine communities inhabited by people with an intimate knowledge of themselves physically and mentally.
To me, our bodies are magic wands in every sense of the word.
The word "magic," derived from "magike," means "the art of influencing or predicting events and producing marvels using hidden natural forces." The word "wand" means a "rod, switch" and is also derived from the word "wind," as in "to turn." Observing and studying the human body reveals that it transfers force and energy in a winding manner. If you pay attention, you’ll notice that our bodies are designed to rotate while in motion. You can make circular motions with your foot at the ankle, rotate your leg at the hip, twist your torso courtesy of the spine and oblique muscles, turn your head from left to right, make circular motions with your shoulder, and rotate your wrist.
Using the meanings of "magic" and "wand" to describe the rotary features of the body, we could say that the body is "rod-like" and capable of "producing marvels" from "hidden natural forces." The greatest example of a hidden natural force the body uses to produce marvels is your imagination. Look around at all that has been invented—it all began in the mind, hidden away until individuals decided to use their bodies to bring them to life.
What are the effects of corporeal ignorance? Look around you and marvel—or weep—at the state of health in our global society. If we knew more about ourselves, would we treat each other the way we do? Would we pollute the air we breathe or the water we drink? Would we treat other species the way we do? I believe we wouldn’t.
I believe most major conflicts would be eradicated if we simply understood ourselves better. If we did, all we’d desire to do is live our best lives. We wouldn’t mistreat ourselves, mistreat each other, or mistreat our environment, nor would we allow mistreatment in our presence.
I believe that knowledge of ourselves can and will solve the major problems we face because, to live optimally, we must create an environment that benefits us all and not just a few. We’d be much more determined to create that world.
The time to act is now. You must embark on a journey of self-discovery and understanding. Learn about your body, its functions, and its needs. Educate yourself and others. Demand better health practices, better food standards, and better environments. The power to transform our world lies in our hands, but it starts with understanding and taking care of ourselves. Let’s create a society where every individual thrives, where knowledge empowers us to make better choices, and where optimal health is within everyone's reach. Embrace the magic within your body, and together, let’s turn the tide towards a healthier, more harmonious world.