Words for Body

Shall we examine our illnesses, and give them truer, more meaningful names,

such as The North Wind, The Reminder, and The Teacher?

Then we might say, I am visited by The North Wind,

or, I am thankful for The Reminder.

We might say, I learned great things from The Teacher.

I have The Mystery. I do not fear The End.

We Might Say. December 29, 2021. Poems, Notes, and Drawings. [1329 ]

This is the third time I’ve shared We Might Say. I do so today because it came to mind in connection with a thought that arose during an icy early morning run — that thought being, What are some other words we can use to refer to the body, that would help generate a fuller appreciation and respect for such a patient, wise companion? The question itself includes at least one: companion. What better way to describe one who’s with us from our first breath, and remains until our last? This leads to another: friend. Is there one more faithful and loyal, or more willing to endure our errors in judgment while quietly acting as a teacher and guide? What a difference it would make if we chose to listen to our teacher, or follow our guide, or treat our friend and companion with the same faith and loyalty we receive; then we could be truly grateful when our bodies are visited by illness and pain. We could remember they’re not something we own and can rightfully abuse — that they are, rather, a chance for something limitless and timeless — namely, consciousness — to experience itself in human form. That is the body — which, of course, isn’t a bad word at all, once we realize we’re all guests in the same infinite house.

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