In one sense it is obvious but there is lots of evidence that clergy do not take care of themselves physically. We are engaged in a stressful profession and neglecting our bodies makes us very vulnerable.
Everyone knows that in the abstract, but it is easy to neglect care of our bodies in practice. The most obvious areas of care for our bodies are diet and physical exercise.
A first step towards improvement is becoming conscious of your reality. Take a piece of paper and describe how you are currently paying attention to your diet and getting your exercise. Are you pleased with the result? While you are at it, describe a first step in improving your behavior.
An ethics book I read described the temptation of small indulgences. I’ve been working hard, doing so much good, I deserve that candy bar or extra order of french fries. I’ve been so busy meeting the demands of my congregation that I have just been too tired to go exercise. On your paper, list a couple of small indulgences that you have given in to during the past month.
Not all indulgences are bad but they can easily get out of hand. Becoming conscious of them is a first step to keeping a balance in your life.
Don’t set yourself up for failure by comparing what you do now with some ideal that is impossible to achieve. Think about one small step you can take and let that be a beginning.
