CARING FOR THE BODY

Exercise is a surprisingly complicated issue amongst Buddhist monks and lay people. Some say that attention to the body distracts from spiritual pursuits. It is true that the Buddha did not prescribe physical exercise; however he did commend regular walking. In the Cankama Suuta he writes:

Monks, there are these five benefits of walking up & down. What five? One is fit for long journeys; one is fit for striving; one has little disease; that which is eaten, drunk, chewed, tasted, goes through proper digestion; the composure attained by walking up & down is long-lasting. These, monks, are the five benefits of walking up & down.

The point of exercise for practicing Buddhists is not to delay or overcome the natural effects of aging. Nor should our effort be directed towards self-centered and vain aspirations. Rather, moderate exercise, like walking, is one way we practice right action. We maintain physical balance and are less easily tempted by lethargy and sloth.

Especially in times of sickness and injury, right action demands that we attend to the body. Such attention does not have to mean self-centered attachment. Instead, it can be an expression of gratitude for a precious human body (see Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche’s essay here) and of hope that our capacity for serving others will be restored and increased.

EXERCISE & THE OUTDOORS

Are you eating enough? Are you eating too much? A yes to either of these questions can be a sign that the mind and body are out of balance. But even more than that, poor nutrition adds stress and makes concentration difficult!

Making sure you’re getting more than cereal for dinner, or that you’re not dealing with stress by eating addictively, will reduce the strain on your mind and body. Balanced, nutritious meals fortify you and encourage physical and emotional peace. You will have more energy, patience, humor, and ease if you’re giving your body what it needs to function properly.

Here are some suggestions for stress-relieving nutrition:

  • Avoid caffeine and simple/refined carbohydrates, such as sugar

  • Don’t skip meals (except during fasts)

  • Include plenty of foods that contain protein (beans, nuts, eggs, soy-based foods, high-protein cheeses and yogurts), magnesium (dark, leafy greens, nut, seeds, and wholegrains), B vitamins (wholegrains, nuts and seeds), vitamin C (most fruits and vegetables), and Omega 3 fatty acids (fish and other seafoods, flax, plant oils, nuts and fortified foods)

  • Healthy comfort foods: dark chocolate, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, light popcorn, yogurt with fruit

NUTRITION

When a person is constantly mindful, and knows when enough food has been taken,
all their afflictions become more slender—they age more gradually, protecting their lives.

Donapaka Sutta