JR Woodward :: Blog :: Developing a Rhythm of Life - Part 7

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We are continuing our series on developing a rhythm of life.  Why do we need a rhythm of life?  As John Ortberg says, "Spiritual Transformation cannot be orchestrated or controlled, but neither is it a random venture.  We need some kind of support or structure, much as a young vine needs a trellis.  We need sails to help us catch the winds of the Spirit.  All of us know the frustration of random, haphazard efforts that lead nowhere in spiritual life.  We need a plan for transformation."

Here is the ground we have already covered in this series: God, Prayer, Work, Study and Spiritual Community.  Today our topic is about the physical body.  I will share a few quotes then my rhythm for this area.

"So that we can better glorify God in our bodies each of us shall take responsibility for maintaining his health through regular exercise, hygiene, and prompt recourse to medical attention..." - The Rule of the Society of St. John the Evangelist

"For our feeble flesh could not possibly be defrauded of the whole night's rest and yet keep its vigour unshaken throughout the following day without sleepiness of mind and heaviness of spirit..." The Twelve Book of John Cassain on the Institutes of Coenobia

BODY
• Exercise regularly – at least three times a week
• Have a balanced diet in light of our global context
• Live a proper theology of both sleep and rest, by being careful not to stay up late and wake to early too much, also by weekly taking a Sabbath rest, from Thursday to Friday
• In my stop, look and listen time, take note of physical health by listening to my body as well
• Express physical affection regularly and properly
• Recognize that a cheerful heart is good medicine by always keeping a good sense of humor and learning to laugh at both myself and other funny things
• Allow the wristband that I received from the pastors in Kenya to remind me of my rule of life, and how as I live it I can be of greater service to God and the poor

Think about the area of your body.  What should be your rhythm of life in this area?