Body Literacy is a term I’ve only just learnt. It excited me so much as it gave a name to the journey I have been on over the past few years. You can read more about it in an upcoming edition of Ethics in Conversation. But what is it? And why is it important?  

I think in very broad terms, body literacy is about AWARENESS and NOTICING. And as the term suggests, having an awareness of your body specifically and noticing how it reacts and responds to all aspects of life.  

Jesus exclaims in John 10:10 that he has come to give us life, and life in abundance! Though, as asserted by Professor Robert Thomas in his book How to Live, we are expected to live twice as long as our grandparents, the abundant life must also be about the quality of our lives, and not just the longevity. The book also cites the “staggering rise in chronic, degenerative diseases, the origins [italics mine] of which are strongly linked to lifestyle and diet,” and which interestingly “affects prosperous countries most dramatically.”  

Speaking for myself, how I feel physically absolutely affects how I feel mentally. I believe that Jesus has a wonderful purpose for each and every one of us (Ephesians 2:10), but it can be hard to enter into the freedom that Christ has for us when we are hampered with health issues which could be positively affected by diet and lifestyle. Of course, we serve a wonderful and gracious God who works all things together for good for those who love him (Romans 8:28 – emphasis mine). I am a testament to this, as through my own struggles with menstrual health, I have become an advocate for the healing power of nutrition and the positive effects of exercise and prayer.   

I have learnt (though it’s a never-ending journey!) to become body literate and noticing how what I eat affects how I think and feel has become something of a pastime! I notice, for example, that if I have an alcoholic drink in the evening, I usually wake up in the night with heart palpitations. I also notice that if my heart is palpitating, my mind races, and it is easier to feel anxious. I also notice that if my mind is racing, I am usually not paying attention to my breathing, which tends to be shallow. If I then make an effort to breathe deeply, my thought patterns calm. I notice that if I eat a lot of sugary food, a few days later, I will feel inexplicably tired – and want more! I am also aware of foods that my body seems to really enjoy – like wholegrain rice, olive oil, fish and vegetables – with the odd beef steak thrown in! As I have journeyed on, I am enjoying more and more of the benefits of eating well, exercising and taking time out to be quiet and still. I know I have more energy and I feel calmer and brighter.  

If you would like to begin the journey towards body literacy, I can recommend the following three publications: 

How to Live by Professor Robert Thomas

The Stress Solution by Dr Rangan Chatterjee 

The Doctor’s Kitchen (Eat To Beat Illness) by Dr Rupy Aujla.