Bodies

February 2023

I grew up with this idea that your body and soul are separate. It’s a theology thing called Dualism.

In this line of thought, the body causes problems, stumbling, sin.
The soul is where it’s at!

The solution?

But that’s not a satisfying conclusion.

---

I’ve learned as I’ve grown that Dualism is actually heretical (aka at odds with theological scholarship). Still used in pop-theology, but not actually true.
Dangerous!

Even so, it’s still common to be told to ‘look inside’ for healing, to see the body as a shell.

What if there is someone outside yourself who brings you to wholeness?

---

What does it mean to be a body?
A soul and body twined?
What is full embodiment?

I’m still not sure, but I’m curious.

Experience the world through your body. Feel the tug of a dog on a leash, a baby in your arms, the crunch of snow underfoot, the instrument in your hands.
Notice your soul alive in the moment.
Aren’t they talking to each other? Don’t they speak the same language for a breath?

You, body and soul. What a marvel.

---

Thank you for reading. I appreciate your thoughtful attention each time.
I’d love to hear how you were taught to think about bodies and/or souls, if you’d like to keep the conversation going: