The weather has turned pretty cold here in Texas, which means our readers in other states probably have a layer of solid ice or snow over their houses as they read this. Just as we scoff at Northerners complaining about 80-degree heat, “y’all” have your turn to laugh at our 25-degree shivers. No matter which side of this argument you fall on, the weather can give us a reminder we can’t ignore: that the body matters.
During cold weather, our body teaches us about some of our basic needs. Have you ever stood outside without a coat in cold weather? Before long, you will likely begin to shiver, your hands, feet, or ears may go numb, or your nose might start to run. Your body wants you to know that you need more heat. These warning signals tell you that your body can’t function properly at this temperature. Ignoring the language of our body may lead to frostbite or hypothermia. Even in less extreme cases, you might catch a cold because your immune system can’t properly function at lower temperatures.
This is what it feels like in Texas at the moment
Similar things happen in excessive heat—we in Texas certainly know that! When your body heats up too much, it starts to sweat and feel sluggish. Just like with the cold, your body wants you to know it needs certain things. In this case it needs to cool down, and maybe drink some water. Ignoring the language of your body here may lead to passing out from heatstroke.
This is what it usually feels like in Texas
Both of these examples show the importance to listening to the language of your body. God designed you this way because He loves you and wants you to take care of yourself. This doesn’t mean we should never allow ourselves to become uncomfortable; it just means that we should listen to our bodies and strive to live within the limits of what they can endure.
We can apply these lessons to our lives in a variety of ways, apart from weather. Take, for example, the virtue of temperance. It calls us to live in moderation. Our bodies often tell us what moderation looks like. When I eat too much, I feel bloated and uncomfortable. When I eat too little, I feel hungry throughout the day. By listening to our bodies, we can know the temperate amount of food to eat.
As we warm ourselves by the fire this winter, let’s meditate more on how we can listen to our bodies.
Chris Tarantino is the Communications Director for TOBET. He studied History at The University at Texas A&M and has written for the Tennessee Register and Nashville Catholic.
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