Move It, Cherish It: A Monk’s Guide to Honoring Your Body as SacredMove. love love love

🧘‍♂️ “Use It or Lose It” – A Monk’s Guide to Using Your Body Like It’s Sacred

“The body is a temple. If you don’t move it, it crumbles. If you don’t respect it, it rebels.” – Inspired by monastic wisdom

1. Start Every Day with Movement 🙏

Monks often begin the day before sunrise with stretching, breathing, and walking. Not because it burns calories, but because movement awakens the body and calms the mind.

✅ Try this:

5-minute full-body stretch
10 deep belly breaths
15-minute walk (no phone, just awareness)

2. Train with Simplicity, But Daily 🏋️

You don’t need a gym. Monks use bodyweight and nature.

✅ Daily routine (takes under 15 mins):

20 squats
15 push-ups (or wall push-ups)
30-second plank
20 walking lunges
Repeat x2 if you’ve got energy

Consistency over intensity.

3. Sit Less, Squat More 🧎

Chairs are a modern invention. Monks squat, kneel, sit on the ground—which keeps hips open and knees strong.

✅ Practice:

Sit on the floor when reading or eating
Hold a deep squat for 1 minute a few times a day

4. Feed the Body What It Truly Needs 🥦

Not what tastes good—what nourishes. Think: light, seasonal, mostly plants. Eat to energize, not sedate.

✅ Monk tip:

Eat 80% full
No eating 2-3 hours before bed
Drink warm water in the morning

5. Use the Mind or It Weakens 🧠

Monks meditate daily to sharpen attention, just like we train muscles. If you don’t focus deliberately, your mind becomes cluttered and reactive.

✅ Start with:

5 minutes of silent sitting
Just observe the breath
When the mind wanders, gently return

6. Serve Others with Your Body 🤝

A body isn’t just for you. It’s a tool for compassion, whether carrying groceries for someone or hugging a friend.

✅ Challenge:

Do one act of service today using your body—big or small

7. Rest Is Sacred, Not Lazy 😴

A well-used body deserves deep rest. Monks treat rest like a ritual—quiet, screen-free, intentional.

✅ Do this tonight:

Stretch 5 mins before bed
No screens 30 mins prior
Lie down and thank your body for all it did today

Final Word from the Monk:

“This body is on loan. Use it wisely, daily, and gratefully. Don’t wait until it breaks to appreciate its miracle.”