Your Muscles are Sacred Gifts from the Creator, designed not only for Strength and Survival, but also to help you carry out your Life Purpose with Energy, Endurance and Vitality.
In times of Challenge, your Physical Strength supports your Emotional and Spiritual Strength. When your Body is Strong, you are less likely to be injured and more likely to Feel Good, Move Freely and Think Clearly.
Building Muscle is not about Ego. It is a way to Honour your Ancestors who walked Long Distances, Hunted, Gathered, Built Shelters, Carried Water and Cared for the People. Their survival depended on Strength and Endurance, and those gifts live in you.
Today, instead of fighting to survive Wilderness, we face Digital Isolation, Processed Foods and Sedentary Living, but the need for Functional Strength has not changed.
By intentionally strengthening your Legs, Back, Arms, and Core, you increase your Lifeforce Energy, Confidence, and Physical and Mental Stability.
Our Body is Linked to our Mind. When we Strenthen our Body, we Strengthen our Mind.
“My Body Is Strong, Capable, and Sacred.
Each Movement I Make Builds Strength in My Spirit.
I Am Grateful for the Power Within Me.”
In Native cultures, Dance is used not only for Ceremony and Celebration, but to Maintain Muscular Strength, Endurance and Coordination. Warrior Societies, Hunting Camps and Healers all trained their Bodies through Natural Movement like Running, Lifting, Climbing and Carrying. This was Physical Medicine for the whole Community.
“Creator, Strengthen My Body and My Will.
Let My Muscles Serve Your Purpose.
May I Be Strong Enough to Carry Others When Needed,
And Gentle Enough to Rest When Guided.”
After Movement or Exercise, soak your Feet or Hands in Cool Water with Epsom Salt and Cedar, and say:
“I Give Thanks to My Body for Carrying Me.
I Honor My Muscles, My Joints, and My Bones.”
Do 3 Bodyweight Movements today: Squats, Push-ups (or Wall Push-ups), and Plank Hold.
Go outside and Carry Something: a Rock, a Log, or even a Water Jug.
Stretch your Muscles afterwards and thank each Body Part for its Support.
Take the Stairs instead of escalator or elevator
Park a distance away to walk further
In Anishinaabemowin, the word for Strength is Zhaawenjige (ᔓᐌᓂᒋᑲ) — "One Who Takes Care of Something in a Strong Way."
Prompt:
“What does it mean to be Strong?
Where in my Life do I need to Build Strength in Body, Mind, or Spirit?
How can I move today to Honour my Muscles and Ancestors?”