Memoir- Part 2

Although I have often associated society’s short coming with the loss or abandonment of religion, I never really considered the fact that peoples inter struggles were due to the lack of spiritual foundation or their non-exist relationship with a higher power, God.  Therefore, when Christina introduced such a thought I was somewhat floored and intrigued at the same time. In chapter two, she suggest that:

“Being on a spiritual path, or living according to ones faith, means that a person aligns his/her self to a set of principles and values different than the everyday waking consciousness of our modern culture. I assert that all the variation of consumerism, violence, environmental degradation, human exploitation, broken relationships, psychological dysfunctions, betrayal and corruption we witness as commonplace today are all manifestations of a fundamental belief that we are separate from God and therefore separate from each other”

What a profound passage! Essentially, Christina is saying that all of societies flaws and negative aspects are a direct result of humans being separate or distant from God.

This notion makes complete sense. As I look back, this reminds one of my pastor’s lessons entitled “spiritual warfare”. In this message, he addresses most Christian’s battle with wanting to be in this world but not of this world. In which he speaks more in depth about peoples struggle or need of acceptance from their peers, friends, family, and those in close proximity. He asserts that this need for acceptance oftentimes leads us into paths of darkness; which ultimately causes us immense harm. Moreover, he contends that people are more concerned with society’s approval than having Gods approval. Arguing, that if people had a relationship with God or a higher power they wouldn’t rely or place some much weight on the perception of society. Romans 14:10-12 states,

“You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written: As surely as I live, says the lord, every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God. So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God”

Without God being the center of our lives and our main source of guidance, people are easily led astray. Moreover, when are out of the will of God the devil has more access to our minds and hearts because we are more susceptible to hearing and falling suit to his deception. When we are out of our set place we risk losing the blessing intended for us –whether it be in the form of understanding ones self-worth, spiritual fulfillment, physical healing, or healing of the family. Lastly, when discussing societies neglect for religion, I am reminded of this saying “if you don’t stand for something you will fall for anything”.

Memoir -Part 1

Author Christina Sell, in Yoga from the Inside Out, opened her heart to discuss the issues of self-image and all its facets. Specifically, Sell addresses body image and how it has impacted her life and the lives of those she interacts with. In the book, Sell begins by discussing her personal struggle with body image, in which she’s exclaims developed as a result of her mother placing a tremendous emphasis on having the perfect physique.  As result, she grew up exhausting all of her energy in hopes of obtaining and maintaining such attributes. This then led to Christina engaging in various acts - drugs, alcohol, binging, purging, bulimia, and overly exercising in hopes of achieving bodily perfection. As a woman, I can completely relate and identify with Christina’s struggle for self-love and acceptance. I don’t think any woman in American society can honestly say that they are a hundred percent satisfied with their body, for there is always something that we as woman and some men, would like to improve or make better. Personally, I would like to gain a little more weight and add to the assets God has already given me. However, I am confident and secure enough within myself to accept me and love who God has created me to be. Moreover, this story forces me and other readers to evaluate the amount of value we place on our physical appearance.

I absolutely loved the section entitled The Surrender mainly because it spoke to the process of healing. Whenever a person goes through a traumatic situation it is oftentimes common for them to place such an event in their subconscious as a way of escaping the pain. Christina, in Yoga from the Inside Out, suggest that in order to heal and move forward, a person must be willing to first acknowledge their situation. Once a person is able to acknowledge that a problem exists they are better able to take the necessary steps toward recovery. This notation of recovery is essentially allowing one’s self to abandon their old way of thinking or living in order to heal completely. During this period of recovery, the individual is encouraged to engage in self-help and to seek assistance from a higher being, God.