Our Physical Anchor

When we’re healthy, we have many problems. When we’re sick, we only have one.

This comment from Shi Heng Yi came to mind while I was experiencing a flu bout.
I had to slow down and rest my body.
And what I missed was the simple experience of using my body when I am healthy and able.

While recovering on my sofa, I thought of my 10-year-old nephew who swam into the deep end with confidence and exuberance.
As a child, Minh loved moving his body, racing around the house with boundless energy.

This prompted me to note how we adults spend so much time with our minds and give our bodies little attention.
We’d get up in the morning, check ourselves in the mirror in silence.
Our thoughts race ahead toward today’s tasks while our bodies lag behind.
Sometimes we move forward with energy, sometimes with lethargy.

Rarely, if ever, do we look in the mirror and ask ourselves, “How shall I enjoy being in my body today?”

We’ve tuned outward so much that we’ve overlooked the simple experience of inhabiting our own body.
We’ve forgotten how happy we once were in our own skin.

How often do we pause and appreciate what our bodies can do for us, day after day?
Even something as simple as bending down and tying our shoes.
Combing our hair.
Admiring our capable hands.

Not long ago, I wrote a reminder about respecting our body.
Until science can upgrade it to a new version, it’s the only home we have.

We rely on our minds and celebrate what they can achieve. 

Yet, we often forget that our bodies play a critical role in those accolades.

A healthy body supports a healthy mind.

So, if it’s been a while since you’ve spent time with your body, pause and appreciate what quietly carries you through daily life.

Give your body some TLC!

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© My-Tien Vo – May 27, 2026