Our Most Beautiful Creation! #175

in happierpeople •  7 years ago 

Want to take a walk with me on the beach? Here is your chance in day #175 of Happier People podcast! We begin by asking are we all artists spending our life's work on one most beautiful creation? How much are we aware of this masterpiece which is our body? Do we view our body like artwork and a holy temple or like an amusement park (Charlie Sheen) and a dumpster? What help does this viewpoint offer in our daily struggles to overcome the temptations of bad habits?

Will you join me on a walk along the beach in Saint Petersburg, Florida because in day 175 of Happier People Podcast you may discover a way of thinking about yourself that makes any change simple and instant?

What is our most beautiful creation in our lives?


I'm grateful to explore this with you today because this helps me to feel just love and joy about having this body, because our bodies are the most magnificent creations of our entire lives.

Would you like to join me for a walk on the beach here as we explore St. Petersburg Beach in Florida?

This is my most beautiful creation right here, this is it, this is my body.

This is the project I've been working on for 34 years and I am excited to see the memes @lexiconical makes with these photos!

Now, picture that, when we talk about making music or making art, we think about things like, "I worked on this for a year or a couple years," or "I played this video game for this long."

I've been working on my body for 34 years, since it was a tiny one cell, I've built that, I've built this from one cell, that is a beautiful sacred creation.

When I used to poison my body with things like alcohol and medications, and even things like vitamins, all kinds of foods, I used to not feel very good, and then I'd be in pain.

Today, I treat my body as a holy temple, the same way you'd create and treat something like a painting. Imagine if you'd worked on a painting for 10 years, wouldn't you treat that as something sacred?

"Wow, I've put my heart and soul into this painting."

You wouldn't go up there, maybe you would I don't know, and just kick it down, tear it apart, throw paint all over it and ruin it.

I'm grateful today that when I realize my body is my most beautiful creation that helps me. I get a lot of just feeling good and respect for myself. It helps me see which choices are the best to make, and then it's not a struggle.

I have a family member who is trying to eat better and quit bad habits, and it's a struggle for them as it was a struggle for me for so many years to stop drinking alcohol and to stop eating all these foods that poison my body.

The family member says, "It's challenging."

Now, if we believe that our body is this prison that we're stuck in, if we believe our body is something awful, something shameful and disgusting, that it must be hidden and how gross it is, then of course it's going to be difficult to stop trying to numb the pain and poison our bodies.

When we view that our body is something beautiful, our holy temple, our most magnificent creation of our lives, then it's not difficult to take good care of that creation.

Imagine I bought a new car in 1960 or something, a car that was a throwback, I took good care of it and I put all this time, energy and love into fixing it up, making it just perfect. Now, imagine if I just wrecked it on purpose, that'd be insane, right?

That's what a lot of us are doing with our bodies.

We've built these beautiful bodies, and then we go wreck them on purpose. You could find some humor in that if you wanted to.

At the same time what we believe often guides our behavior much more powerfully than our wants and desires.

Today, I believe that my body is a holy temple, it is my most magnificent creation therefore it's not difficult to avoid the temptation of poisoning it, anymore than its difficult to avoid the temptation of smashing your most beautiful creation apart or deleting all of your pictures off your iPhone.

Imagine all these pictures you've got on your phone that you've worked really hard for to accumulate over all these years, are you tempted to just erase them all, just delete them?

Do you struggle with temptation to delete all of these posts you have, just delete your social media account?

Maybe you do.

What I'm saying is when we look at our beliefs then change becomes automatic.

As I told this family member, "You don't have to struggle to change," in fact some of the most profound changes in my life have occurred in an instant.

When we treat our bodies with love and respect it's also easy to treat all the other bodies with love and respect. You see, when I love and respect my body, then I'm less likely to criticize someone else's body. When I love and respect my body I'm less likely to want to hurt the other bodies.

When we hate our own body, when we believe our body is this temple of disgustingness or is something shameful that has these nasty filthy desires we have to fulfill just to get through the day like eating, sex et cetera, when we view our bodies and have beliefs like this, that we've often been raised with and we're not even conscious of them, then it's difficult.

The miracle is, as soon as we change our beliefs, change can happen in an instant.

I started eating whole plant foods on a mostly vegan diet in an instant, I didn't struggle to do that. Now, before that, I struggled to try to eat healthier all the time, but as soon as I realized that what I eat has a huge impact on my body and how I feel, it became easy.

I was doing two personal training sessions every week, I was paying something like $300 a month for personal training. Meanwhile, I was paying almost no attention to what I was actually eating.

Sure I was tracking the calories, but my personal trainer said 80% of what your body looks like is what you eat and only about 20% of it has to do with exercise.

If you just worked out and didn't hardly eat anything all the time, for example, you'd be incredibly thin, you'd have a hard time building any muscle, you'd have muscle, but you'd be really thin.

I ate so much all the time that while I built muscle doing personal training I was still fat no matter all these other things I did. As soon as I changed the belief around eating, for example, that I have to eat to satisfy my desire to eat, and I modified it into I eat in order to build and create this body, that my eating is one of the primary activities I do to create this body, it started to work.

When I eat it influences how this body feels, when I eat it influences how this body looks. In fact, I was sold on this only after having eaten just a disgusting meal in terms of all kinds of meats it had in it. There's not a problem eating meat per se, but when you eat all these meats from all these different animals, you have no idea where they come from or how they were raised, how they were killed or how long they spent before they actually got to your plate and what life they lived.

When you unconsciously eat with a whole bunch of other salt, added oils, et cetera, and you throw that all in your body, guess what?

After eating like that I felt depressed and finally I realized it, "Oh my God, how I ate just gave me a bad mood, I can literally avoid bad moods if I eat better."

As soon as I realized that, I changed in an instant. My new belief is that how I eat has an impact on the moods I have and for selfish or altruistic purposes, however you want to look at it, I want to feel good all day every day, I don't want to feel bad at all, what good does feeling bad do?

Therefore, if I want to feel good, look good and do good, I have to eat good, and in order to eat good I need to know what is good for me to eat and generally whole plant foods are the best.

Now sure, there are other things that can be good to eat. I believe that in certain situations it can be good to eat meat also like if you've raised something like chickens and you've taken care of them, you love them and you slaughter them at home, and it took great joy in providing that as the meal, then sure that could be healthy.

Having something you don't know anything about might just be poison to the body, at least as far as it was for me with all the meat I ate in my life without caring or participating in its life story. Therefore, it might be more ideal to grow plants at home instead of eating them. The point is that when I eat something it's as simple as, how do I feel right afterwards?

Then, I realize and believe that what I eat influences how I feel and how I look, and if I want to feel and look good all the time, then I don't have to struggle to change. I automatically start to adapt behaviors that go towards that.

I think I look good now, this is the best this body has ever looked before, I intend for this body to be beautiful for 120 or so more years at which point then I'll be ready for another one, or maybe just some time off from having a body. I can intend whatever I want. You might say that's crazy because the average person does not live that long and so what?

This is my universe I can intend, I can aim at creating whatever I want to. It doesn't matter how long the people beside me live, in the Bible it says people live to 100. Moses lived 120 years old, why can't I live to 150 with all of our modern medicine today? Why can't I look good, feel good, do good that entire time?

I'm grateful today that I see my body as my most beautiful creation, I take care of it, I respect it and part of respecting means exercise.

When I realize this body needs to be active, move around, do things including get out in the sun sometimes, not just be in my dark studio all day, then I go to the beach, put sunscreen on because it needs some sun every week.

I don't have to discipline myself in the way you might think of as whipping myself to exercise. I love exercising every day because I love this body. It's like adding a little bit to my favorite painting or adding some stamps to my lifelong stamp collection.

I used to make models when I was a kid, like cars and airplanes. It was a joy to paint on those airplanes, it was a joy to make them look more beautiful every day. It was a joy to contribute to the beauty of those models every single day, it wasn't work. I didn't have to force myself or do all kinds of crazy schemes. I've done all kinds of crazy schemes when it comes to exercising in my life. I've tried to run, I've hired a personal trainer, I've spent thousands on personal training in my life.

Finally, I realized that just walking every day for an hour and a half, that's enough; standing up when I work for six hours a day, that's enough; being active as a lifestyle in life choice, that's enough.

When I love my body, I want it. I want to do the things that make it look how I want to make it look. I'm not looking to be some huge body builder, because I look how I would like to look right now, it's nice to have a healthy amount of fat, and it’s nice to be more on the thin side rather than on the bigger side. I've weighed 60 to 80 pounds more than this most of my adult life.

Today, I also realize that beauty is in the variation, if every one of us looked the exact same there'd be no beauty, it would be boring. I don't need to try to match up someone else's external standard. I don't need to have abs that match some definition of what a magazine thinks my abs should look like. I don't need to have arms that match some definition of what's supposed to be beautiful, my arms are beautiful just the way they are.

If I want anything to be different like if I want a six pack of abs, then I'll make that if that's how I want to make this beautiful artwork of my life. If I'm not interested in that, it's still nice to know what's possible.

I realize that this body might benefit from shrinking up just a little bit more, take a little bit of the fat off it. The action I was inspired to do with that is start fasting until about noon.

Now, how did I figure out how to do that?

My friend Tomas, his body is a little bit thinner than this one. I listen to how he handles his eating, he does fasting every day, intermittent fasting. I realized that if I want to turn this off a little bit more, then I shall fast. Now it's not something I have to force myself to do. It's just a natural progression, the same as if you want a beautiful painting, you grab the paint brush, then you get your paint and start painting.

If you want a beautiful family and you're single, you get to work making yourself attractive and looking for a mate that wants the same thing.

I hope explaining this has been useful for each of us today, because these are ideas that often seem crazy, especially when I bring up things like aiming to live 150 years, looking just about like this the whole time, and looking at my body as a beautiful creation instead of something that's shameful and nasty, that needs to be hidden.

I'm grateful today to have this message to share because I need to hear it. I need to be reminded of things on a daily basis, just like this.

Thank you very much, I love you, you are awesome.

I hope you enjoyed this episode of Happier People Podcast, which was originally filmed as the video below on a walk at the beach in St Petersburg, Florida.

I appreciate you being here and I hope you have a wonderful day today.

If you found this post helpful on Steemit, would you please upvote it and follow me because you will then be able to see more posts like this in your home feed?

Love,

Jerry Banfield with edits by @gmichelbkk on the transcript by GoTranscript

 

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Voted for you as my witness because you're actively trying to grow the Steemit community through promotion and awareness!

@jerrybanfield I Love that you understand that you have to "Give it Away, to Keep it."

That is also the reason why I voted @jerrybanfield as witness as well.

you look beautiful man

Muhammad thank you for being the first to comment with your kind words here!

Your welcome
you are the best of all witnesses at steemit

YO JERRY NICE POST MAN COULD U MAKE A VIDEO HOW MUCH A POWER IS NEEDED FOR A DOLLAR OF A VOTE

  ·  7 years ago 

There is always something not perfect in our body. Even you asked a celebrity, they will name one or few parts of their body that they are not satisfied with. But does it stop them from loving their body? What they can do is to do something to improve it as you do if this is really something that bothers them. If not, I guess the best way is to accept it as is and be happy.

you look so handsome man, great post

Thank you Jess!

you are most welcome

We need to love our bodies and take good care of them. I am trying to lead a more balance life between work, steemit and leisure.

Good to see you here Charles!

good blog jerry i wil follow you and vote for you

@jerrybanfield Heartfelt appreciation for you. You have showered alot of fun and taste in your post specially a walk on beach and photos are attractive that everyone is ready to keep on dancing on beach.
How can we build our body strength power and athleticism in this fast age like you because every one is so busy?

@jerrybanfield I gave this posting a Full 100% my Brother. You hit every point about Life and our bodies. I am Grateful today. I was just in the Supermarket and purchased some Produce. Bananas, Zucchini's, Onions, Radishes, and Romaine Lettuce. I did buy some Almonds too. I am so glad my body does not crave the processed foods anymore. Working on getting that walk up to longer time lengths and yes I do feel better everyday.

Nice post

I thought he was going to talk about his kids. It's the most wonderful thing about creation.

Wow! Nice Jerry. I got up and did some martial arts boxing today for the first in a long while. I was a gym ambassador and founder/former president of the first high school bodybuilding club in Jamaica. I see you mention the 20% being work.

Correct!

The rest is in sleeping and eating. Just try to execute workouts in completion rather than going AWOL or beast mode. The only inspiration those mantras give are muscle tear! Check out Yuri Elkaim if you want to know how to feel energetic all day!

Until then Mr. Banfield and readers adios!

hi jerry just voted you as witness.cause you do a lot to help steem comunity . i heard about you from ermin kreponic. cheers :-)

:)

@jerrybanfield have you ever tried a vegan diet? I am a personal trainer and my clients pay around 150$ per month but they keep losing weight and getting fit ;)

i voted you

This realy beautiful family!!!!!!

Great work your doing jerrybanfield

Hi @jerrybanfield, im steemit writer and developer. Please support me. Best regards.

This post has been ranked within the top 25 most undervalued posts in the first half of Oct 05. We estimate that this post is undervalued by $69.39 as compared to a scenario in which every voter had an equal say.

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@jerrybanfield Your post are so inspirational, and up-lifting. I too, abused my body (and mind) for many years. At (57) I've probably abused myself for some (40) years. I went through rehab (3) times, and still kept poisoning my body. I finally was able to quit everything, and I've been living a clean, and sober life for many years now.

I'm jealous that you live so close to paradise (that beautiful beach). lol

https://steemit.com/@tushartosi
follow me ifollowback upvote me i back

good story

It's very true: my body is my holy temple, I should treat it with respect, take a good care of it so that the "walls" of it won't wreck and fall eventually.I am always very happy when I see people like you who found their way to be healthier, stronger and happier!You look radiant!really)))I myself now trying to eat only healthy food,more veggies and fruits and almost no meat. Your trainer is right 80 percent of success lays in food you consume: we are what we eat!Thank you for the wonderful post and good luck!

waaaw beautiful place sir @jerrybanfield

You are Looking gorgeous, smart, beautiful, stunning @jerrybanfield. You are my witness of the day @jerrybanfield !

Wow nice review about life..plz visit once my page I hope u like my posts also

Lol i vote this post for sure thanks for sharing!

I have voted for you as a witness ,however no response from you.

Nice photos .. :-)

haha nice post. specially here in NY its starting to get cool. I will look into voting for you, but im still new to this.

Nice post @jerrybanfield. Your posts are always exciting and meaningful. Indeed our body is great gift of God

The beach is the favorite pleace to enjoy, have agreat day @jerrybanfield!

You're doing such great work here @jerrybanfield

I'd admit that I am super vain, that's why I workout and keep fit all the time.

But for real, look good, feel good.

A fitness lifestyle isn't just about looking good. It easily gives you the confidence to stand among others in society.

You just have to start. Take a walk or something. Make it easy. There'll be a difference.

@jerrybanfield please write a post on how you feel to be a internet celebrity?

Good thoughts as always, Jerry!

Really, the key here is gratitude. People spend a lot of time focusing on everything they don't have, and everything that is wrong with them and the world. Instead... let's be thankful for what we do have!

Sehr schön geschrieben. Viele achten nicht auf sich und ihre Gesundheit und unser Körper verzeiht es nicht, er versucht vieles lange zu kompensieren, doch irgendwann sind eben auch seine Fähigkeiten erschöpft. Deshalb finde ich es so schön , wie du deinen Blickwinkel über unseren Körper beschreibst.

Ugh. I wish I hadn't read/watched this. Now I have to change my ways or cause myself suffering without any disillusionment. Darn your lovely perspective & healthy, supportive relationship with your body.

Of course I'm actually glad to have read it, but a part of my brain is like "ugh, work"...i wanted to be all angsty & hate myself a little longer it seems, which sucks because I didn't realize I felt that way!

I don't feel at home in my body & it's definitely made me stay hidden away for the majority of my life. I don't know why I spent over 40 years just to create something I find repellant & ugly that causes me so much pain & shame. I'm very supportive of other people being exactly themselves & can't offer that to myself, yet. It makes me wish I had a big cosmic eraser as I feel so loudly the parts that hold me back.

Enjoyable read/watch. I like when something makes me think & changes my perspective. I have a feeling this will intrude on my thoughts until I change some habits for the better. Thank you.

Congratulations @jerrybanfield, this post is the third most rewarded post (based on pending payouts) in the last 12 hours written by a Superhero or Legend account holder (accounts hold greater than 100 Mega Vests). The total number of posts by Superhero and Legend account holders during this period was 28 and the total pending payments to posts in these categories was $1329.19. To see the full list of highest paid posts across all accounts categories, click here.

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You look good bro :D. Greetings from Venezuela @jerrybanfield

Nice travel buddy... Your healthy make your life more better, you can feel your travel in beach, awesome trip buddy. Nice to meet you sir. I have Articles about Travel too. Maybe you Like it.

Hi @jerrybanfield. I upvoted this and gave you a witness vote. This is close to my heart. I am struggling with an unhealthy lifestyle at the moment after a lifetime of keeping fit and healthy. A serious spinal injury 6 years ago robbed me of some mobility and I get bouts of depression. I am a freelance writer which means the cash flow can sometimes slow down or stop. Ironically when I have less money I drink more alcohol which causes more depression. I have recently gained a couple of what look like long term clients. Hopefully this will be the start of my getting back to health. Thanks for the inspiration, Steemit is helping me. I am pleased with achieving a 54 reputation in just two months. I feel more confident now. Once again thanks for the inspiration in your regular posts.

I couldn't agree more with your post about body care, but where is the scholar hat Jerry???
: )

Saliste a broncearte .buen viaje

very funny and good post :) I wish you a good rest !

I have chosen you as a witness @jerrybanfield

Welldone! Nice Post!

great

This is a great and positive message. Thank you so much for putting this out there

  ·  7 years ago (edited)

Looking good Jerry... looks like you are having a blast. Have a great night.

long long very long but great posts you do :)

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you are really amazing person... i m new to steemit

Have a good walk on the beach!

You are beautiful. Just like god made you!

extraordinary, for your love of your body, in keeping all things for the health of the body

the beach is my place in the world

Very interesting thoughts. I like all your posts. Sometimes it is useful to write not only about the steem.

your blog is too much great bro....

That is a very cool perspective. It did take a long time to formulate all the idea's in your mind and such.

Nice pictures and those goggles too.
I can see your hard work you are doing on daily basis.you always try to spread awareness and that's why i love your post
Upvoted

Looking Perfect !
👌👌👌👌👌👌
upvoted !!
👍

Jerry, I'm gonna pinch your nipples 👻

Our body is a temple of God.

Could you perhaps do a post on the foods that you eat or share recipes? Thanks!!

Привет!Как говорят "человек есть то,что он ест."Правильное питание имеет огромное влияние на нас,на наше самочувствие,на наше тело.И,чтоб лучше выглядеть,надо знать,что мы едим,чем питаемся.Отличный блог.Думаю для многих полезная информация.

Keep up the hard work and great content! It is great to see you spread the Steemit word to so many people!

I really luke this one...
"When I eat it influences how this body feels, when I eat it influences how this body looks. "
@jerrybanfield, reading this really makes me happy i hope some day you will drop by to follow me and read and upvote my article ..you just created a #happierperson and that's me 😊😊😊

Love the Glasses, you look CIA Jerry.

Indeed out body is a Temple!

Nice and Cool Stuff Dear.
Make Sure To follow me I will Follow You Back Thanks @hakeemshah96