Jack Gindi
Grief has a way of reshaping our priorities. After my son Shaun passed, the first eight weeks were a blur. I focused on shiva, family duties, and seeking spiritual understanding. Taking care of my body became the last priority. Comfort food replaced healthy meals. Wine helped me through tough nights. Exercise disappeared from my routine. While focusing on Being and Balance, I neglected the vessel that carries us through life’s storms.
This imbalance demonstrated an important truth: We can’t fulfill our purpose when we neglect our physical body. The Torah commands, “You shall guard yourselves very well” (Devarim 4:15), teaching us that caring for our bodies is not vanity – it’s a sacred duty.
After years of building, I know the best buildings need good care to thrive. Our bodies deserve no less care than the buildings we construct or the businesses we run. Yet, how often do we treat our physical selves as an afterthought?
The following eight thoughtful ideas emerged from this realization:
Respect It – Your Only Vehicle
Like a luxury car, your body needs premium fuel and regular maintenance. During grief, I forgot this principle, treating my body like a junkyard car running on fumes.
MoveIt- Rust or Run
A door that never opens becomes stiff. Our bodies need movement to sustain strength. My morning walks, once routine, became sporadic. Now, they’re my time for reflection and renewal.
Fuel It Right – Quality Matters
We wouldn’t use harmful materials to build, so we shouldn’t give our bodies poor nutrition. Those extra pounds taught me that comfort food offers only temporary comfort.
Rest It – Essential Restoration
Buildings need maintenance. Our bodies need proper sleep. Without it, everything – emotional resilience, mental clarity, physical health – suffers.
Listen to It – Warning Signs
When constructing a building, we heed every warning sign. Our bodies communicate through pain, fatigue, and stress. The question is: are we listening?
Challenge It – Mindful Growth
Like testing a structure’s integrity, we must challenge our bodies to maintain strength. This doesn’t mean running marathons; it means consistent, progressive effort.
Protect It – Your Living Temple
We secure our buildings against damage. Shouldn’t we protect our bodies from bad habits and harmful influences?
Love It – Your Faithful Partner
Your body carries you through every triumph and trial. Even when neglected, it tries its best to serve. It deserves not criticism but gratitude.
The interconnection between body and spirit becomes obvious when we’re out of balance. Neglecting my physical health for weeks showed me how it affected everything else. Simple tasks felt harder. Social interactions became draining. Even my clarity of thought suffered. As I dove into spiritual practices and family ties, I thought I was making up for physical neglect. But in reality, I was harming my ability to be present.
It’s simple to explain this imbalance. You might think, “Business demands are too intense right now,” or “I’ll return to exercise once things calm down.” Your body doesn’t care about your excuses. Ignoring its signals will make you pay attention -often with pain, injury, or illness that stops your life.
Preventive maintenance is cheaper than emergency repairs, which is true in construction and in life. Yet, how often do we postpone taking care of ourselves?
Low energy makes us cancel plans. Fatigue steals the joy from things we once loved. Feeling unwell keeps us from connecting with others. But these aren’t just physical setbacks – they’re barriers to the life we’re meant to live.
It’s ironic: when we sacrifice our health for other goals, we undermine the very support we need for them. No matter how noble its purpose, a broken vessel cannot protect its precious cargo.
As I embrace healthier habits, I realize that caring for our bodies is key to spiritual growth. Every mindful meal, every walk, every good night’s sleep becomes an act of healing and respect.
Consider: How well are you maintaining your sacred vessel? What one small change could you make today to honor your body? Rebuilding: Whether in daily life, work, dreams, or health – begins with recognizing where we are now. Then, we must choose one small step forward.
I BELIEVE IN ME
Jack Gindi helps families face life’s challenges with the I Believe in Me Foundation. If you would like to show your support for the organization, or for further information, please contact Jack at: jack@ibelieveinmefoundation.com.