“If you don’t take care of your body, where else are you going to live?”

This quote, by marathon runner Robert Pirello, has always inspired and intrigued me. The avid exercisers among us might agree that as we train hard, we tend to evolve into a manner of thinking that takes us somewhat outside of our bodies.  After all, as we strive to build muscles, tone physiques and whittle down waistlines, we are focusing on the external, that which we can see. True, we are taking care of our bodies in very important ways. Yet how often do we think about the notion that it is inside this very body, this outer shell, where our living actually takes place?

On Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, we spend the day reflecting on how we have chosen to live our lives over the past year.  A rabbi once shared with our congregation an alternate way of viewing this holiday. She suggested that instead of thinking of Yom Kippur as a day to ask forgiveness for our sins, we might choose to look at the word “Atonement” and break it up into its syllables, the first two rendering it a day of being “At One,” 24 hours where we can be at one with ourselves and our souls.

What a joyous occasion: a chance to not only reflect on how we live, but also to gaze upon the heart of the living space, and the well-being and integrity of the house’s structure! Going forward into the New Year, we have been given an opportunity to use our strength, wisdom and passion to create a healthy place to live.  After having been “at one” with your inner self, commit to caring for the rest of your being. The ability to integrate spiritual wellness with physical excellence lies within all of us….it is a God-given talent.  In the words of Leo Buscaglia, “Your talent is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God.”

Give wisely….and live a life of strength, passion and good health.

Cathleen Kronemer, NSCA-CPT, is a Lifestyle/Weight Management Coach and a longtime fitness instructor at the Jewish Community Center.