For many years, I neglected my biological needs in favor of external pursuits—pushing through tasks while ignoring my body’s signals. It reached a point where I was often rushing and feeling lightheaded because I had not paused for basic care.

I am now in a season of honoring my body and prioritizing its needs. I regularly check in, releasing tightness and tending to nourishment, hydration, rest, movement, and quiet. While it’s humbling to see how often I must interrupt old patterns, each pause is a return to myself.

As a result, I feel more attuned, grounded, and calm. Without the sense of rushing, I’m more present, able to receive what is here and make clear, discerning decisions.

Practicing this regulated way of living feels like a profound gift of grace—honoring my body and, in doing so, the God within.

Maryland, United States

I related to the saint’s words when he says to his body, “I have often inconvenienced and frightened you.”

For a number of years, if I had fearful thoughts, I would feel my body gripped with fear. The feeling of fright in my body could seem immobilizing, and it, in turn, caused my mind to be even more worried.

Thankfully, over time, I learned I could work with my mind to address the fear rather than allow it to flood my body. I began to connect with a wise and steady part of myself that could calm and guide my mind. I began to trust that this wise part of me could figure out what to do in whatever situations came up and that God would always help me find my way.

Now, if I begin to notice fear in my body, I know to pause and connect with the part of me that is worried and see how I can reassure and soothe it. In this way, I create more ease in my mind and body.

California, United States

I love Gurumayi’s teaching “You don’t need to become someone or something else to follow the Siddha Yoga path.”

As a young adult, I was under the impression that if I were truly a great Siddha Yogi, I would not have asthma. So I tried many things to rid myself of asthma. I also rejected the idea of taking the usual medications for asthma. So, I was not breathing well and ironically was not focusing on my sadhana well.

I asked Gurumayi for guidance, and she referred me to speak with someone who had gained wisdom on this matter. To my surprise, the woman said that there are saints who have had asthma. She guided me in a reflection, and I realized, on my own, that the best thing for me was to take the recommended medications. I realized there was no shame in having asthma; it made me no less of a Siddha Yogi. Once I began taking the medications, I felt great! I could breathe easefully and pursue my sadhana with enthusiasm.

California, United States

I can relate to Eesha’s question: “Do you have any indicators for yourself of when you might be pushing yourself too far in the name of perfection?” Yes, I do—the search for bodily “perfection” has shaped much of my adult life.

Before reading this installment, I was reflecting on how, in relation to my weight, I had never quite reached my ideal—gaining and losing pounds over the years, yet never meeting my own expectations. For a long time I had exercised regularly, motivated mainly by the desire to achieve a certain look or project a particular image of myself—to myself and to others.

Over time, my motivation has shifted toward cultivating a healthy body that supports my sadhana and my daily life. I’ve come to realize that simple, moderate exercise offers tremendous benefits. I now follow a regular routine of gentle hatha yoga, stretching, and enjoyable walks. I have found that these activities support my life profoundly. And they help me “breathe in the spirit of spring” all year round!

Montreal, Canada

After reading Eesha’s installment, “Befriend the Body,“ I decided to implement what I had read by taking a bike ride through the exuberant spring countryside with the intention of “making time to breathe in the spirit of spring.“ Whenever I chose a route, I considered its length and difficulty. My “barometer“ was my awareness of my physical condition, which caused me to take a satisfactory pace.

Once these practical elements were well defined, I was able to focus my attention on the landscape and the flow of my breath. This enabled me to maintain a feeling of ease within me. Along the way, I was happy to recognize many varieties of flowers, culminating with my sighting of three majestic asphodels. I enjoyed the fresh air, the luxuriant green meadows, the brilliant yellow rapeseed fields, and the prana in all the nature around me.

As I take care of my body, I maintain a dialogue with this dear friend. In this friendship, my body and my soul—while remaining two—are one. 

Rodez, France

Shortly before reading Eesha’s installment, “Befriend the Body,“ I had been considering constructing a handmade book to hold some photos that are sacred and precious to me. When I awoke this morning, I felt ready to carry out that intention, filled with love and a comfortable level of energy.

However, soon after that, my energy level plummeted. This was my “barometer” on this occasion. It alerted me to the recognition that I was clearly about to overstep what my body could handle. Instead, what my body needed was nourishment (rather than hunting for supplies and tools) and to postpone the project for the time being. In this instance, I allowed grace to show me that I needed more rest in order for some healing to continue.

I love contemplating these words of Baba’s we heard in the Easter satsang. It is like hearing the Truth played on a celestial harp. These days I find that my “barometer” usually takes the form of a message from within the body—my very own temple of the heart. 

California, United States

In answer to Eesha’s concluding questions, the “barometer” that I use is implementing a “capacity check-in.” I ask myself if my body is strong enough to undertake the action I am contemplating. I also check what kind of state I am in mentally and how I am doing emotionally. 

I appreciate that there is a difference between not having the capacity at all to do something versus having the willingness and ability to stretch beyond my comfort level, which can help me to grow.

Years of doing sadhana have taught me to trust that, if my body does not have the capacity, that is all right—since I am not indispensable. More than once, when I have turned down an opportunity, I have seen someone else step up and thrive in carrying out the assignment. On the other hand, when I do have the wherewithal for a task, the action so often flows naturally. And I am likely to delight in it!

Michigan, United States