When we think of a ‘temple,’ we often think of a place of worship. Traditionally, temples were and still are, used by religious groups to practice, pray, share knowledge, and have fellowship. My use of the word ‘temple’ is twofold. As a spiritual being having a human experience, I believe we have a physical body that by divine design was provided to experience life.
In the Bible, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (New International Version) states, “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple.”
Our Bodies
Our bodies are where our souls, our true selves, reside. As in the traditional sense, how we practice (through profession), pray, learn, and share knowledge and have fellowship with one another. The body is the one aspect of life we actually ‘own’ or have sole dominion over for the duration of our lives. Our bodies grow with us, move us from point A to B; house our love, fear, and every thought or emotion in between. On our best days, we feel alive, present and our bodies respond with ease and flexibility. Other days, the stress weighs on our shoulders, in our posture or on our brow, and causes lasting stress we don’t realize is there.
It’s important to consider your body as a sacred place not to be abused, violated, mistreated, or subjugated to substances that deplete your ability to function at an optimal level. When you realize it’s the only way we get to fully navigate life, you see how integral it is to be as healthy as possible, which includes mentally and spiritually. All this to say, our bodies are how we commune with nature, one another, and ourselves. Through the physical senses, we become what we consume daily, which in turn makes up who we are and affects all levels of our lives.
Our Homes
The other aspect of ‘temple’ is our actual home. The place we physically dwell, whether it be a house or apartment, our homes, and the spaces designated for us within them represent who we are at the most personal level. Our home is the external representation of who we are.
As a fan of architecture and interior design, I believe where and how we live has a direct correlation to how we feel and live our lives. Inside our homes, we express ourselves through decor; furniture, art, photography, and various elements like candles, incense, and music to set a mood. Sometimes there is nothing better than spending the day at home, where we’re most comfortable, relaxed, and ourselves. It is an extension of who we are and the temple for which our ‘body-temple’ dwells.
When we are at ease within ourselves and within our home environment, we feel as if nothing is impossible. You are encouraged to be your best self on all levels and find a space where peace and comfort support your every endeavor.
Avec amour toujours,
Rémy
Self Temple 