Moving Away from Over-Nourishment and Over-Enlightenment

As an occupational therapist, “over-nourished” is the politically correct medical term I am permitted to use for a patient I suspect to be obese.  The American Medical Association considers obesity a disease; therefore, the diagnosis “obesity” must come from the doctor.  Go figure (no pun intended).    As a fitness professional I have helped hundreds of people overcome obesity and keep a healthy body mass index through the application of this simple equation:  calories burned > calorie intake.  Since I’ve helped cure this disease many times and did not inherit it from my over-nourished family, I’m going to take the risk and say obesity is not usually genetic, but is more of a self-inflicted condition caused by our own ignorance and behavior. 

The child cries out, "But he isn't wearing anything at all!"—from The Emperor's New Clothes by Hans Christian Andersen

Last year I had the opportunity to sell my Christian Yoga DVD, “Perfect Peace”, at an international church summit.  I couldn’t help but notice how prevalent over-nourishment was in the Americans versus the other nationalities present.   I suppose this is reinforced with the tradition of sitting and reading as the prime spiritual activity—I was the only movement related resource among a plethora of books and music at the expo.  These enlightening resources all came out of America as well.   Our abundance of opinions can cause us to be “over-enlightened".  The work of the Christian is unique to each person’s talents and gifts.  The work of the church is to move the world to Christ.   It’s challenging to move much when we are sitting down (which is made more inviting by being over-nourished or over-enlightened).   On the mat, we release our opinions and surrender to what is; as a result we become more flexible and lean.  Let’s take a look in the mirror, try some poses and move away from over-enlightenment and over-nourishment!