Your Body is a Temple

One of the great mysteries of our culture can be found in our obsession with physical fitness. The mystery isn't that people are exercising more. The mystery is that we're in worse shape than ever.

With the proliferation of fitness clubs, the emphasis on eating healthy foods, and the presence of at least three late-night cable shows dedicated to the latest home exercise apparatus, we should be the fittest people on the planet.

Unfortunately, should never got anybody into shape.

The sad truth is that we are gaining weight at an alarming rate, our children are in terrible shape, and even our professional athletes get beaten by athletes from other countries in any sports we didn't first invent.

What's the problem? We think it has to do with intention and attention. You probably have everything intention of getting fit, but you don't. You say you're going to pay attention to the details of diet and exercise, but you don't. When you put of shape usually leads to all kinds of disadvantages, such as shortness of breath, sleepiness, lack of endurance, and obesity-none of which will add years or quality to your life.

Just like every other area of your life, the secret to getting and staying healthy lies in the details. Change won't happen overnight. It takes time as a multiple of small disciplines are repeated daily. The process may be tedious, but the results are well worth the effort. Not only will you feel better, but you'll think better, too! A sound body can engage a sound mind (conversely, health problems due to sloppy eating habits and sporadic exercise routines can undermine the mind).

We may be spiritual creatures at heart, but while we're on earth our spirits are being housed in our physical bodies. Let's do everything we can to keep the noise in top shape.

Laughing is one example at it. Laughing ourselves gives us a more accurate sense of who we are. It breaks down barriers between others and us. It makes us more approachable. It protects a personality that is warm and friendly instead of rigid and stuffy. Laughter is like a magnet that attracts people and boost yourself. And if you can learn to laugh at yourself, you are guaranteed to have a lifetime of amusement.

Laughter is the secret to a long and enjoyable life. People don't stop laughing because they grow old. They grow old because the stop laughing. He who laughs, lasts.