THE question of the essence of man is complex, because when one pauses to reflect, it becomes clear that human existence is composed of three interconnected parts: the body, the mind (or consciousness) and the spirit.
Without the body, the mind and spirit have no vessel through which to act in the world. Without consciousness, the body becomes a corpse. And without the body, the true form of the mind or spirit can never be fully known. To understand a human, therefore, we must acknowledge all three components and take responsibility for caring for each of them. True success in life depends on this balance.
In simple terms, the body is a physical structure and its functions. The mind governs thought, intellect and emotion. The spirit represents one’s life force, sense of purpose and connection to something greater than the self. While the mind and spirit deserve deep discussion, the focus of today is the body. Although it is the only visible aspect of our being, it is often the most neglected of the three and so deliberate effort must be made to care for it.
The body is the tangible aspect of our existence. It consists of our organs, bones, tissues, and countless biological processes that sustain life. We are given only one body in this lifetime and it is unwise to abuse it. We may own houses, cars and other material possessions, but every experience we ever have occurs within the confines of our body. A sharp mind trapped in a weakened body is a heavy burden. The body is not merely a tool; it is our first home and it deserves attention and care.
Before we ever live in a house, we inhabit our bodies. Our physical surroundings often mirror the state of our mind. This does not mean wealth equates mental clarity, but chaos in one’s environment frequently reflects inner turmoil. Orderliness, cleanliness and intentional care in our surroundings help to cultivate mental discipline. This principle extends to physical appearance and how we present ourselves to the world.
How we look often speaks before we do — being well-groomed and practising basic self-care influences how others perceive us long before they hear our ideas. Whether we like it or not, people notice how we dress, how we smell and how we carry ourselves. Taking care of your appearance is not vanity; it is respect for yourself and for others. Dress and present yourself in alignment with who you are becoming, not merely who you are today. Even before reaching your goals, embody the discipline and standards of the person you aspire to be.
Physical activity is another essential pillar of bodily care. Not everyone can afford a gym membership, but movement is accessible to almost everyone. Walking, stretching and simple exercise have profound benefits for both physical and mental health. Progress does not require intensity at the start; consistency matters far more. The body was not built in a day and it does not deteriorate in one either — small, sustained effort compounds over time.
Nutrition plays an equally critical role. The gut is often called the body’s second brain and for good reason. What we eat directly influences our energy, mood, and cognitive function. A varied diet that includes complex carbohydrates, proteins, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals nourishes the body and supports the mind. Highly processed foods, when consumed excessively, starve the body of what it needs to function optimally.
- The question of the essence of man: Part 1
Keep Reading
Rest should not be optional. Sleep is when the body repairs itself, resets hormonal balance, and restores mental clarity.
Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to numerous health conditions, such as weakened immunity and cardiovascular disease. Neglecting rest is an open invitation to illness.
Finally, there is the matter of uncontrolled screen time. The internet is a remarkable tool, but endless scrolling drains time, attention and mental energy. Without intention, it becomes another way we neglect our bodies and minds.
We are fortunate that many of us are born with functioning organs and healthy systems. Yet our subsequent lifestyle choices, which are, what we eat, drink and repeatedly do, shape how long and how well those systems serve us. It is tragic that many only begin to care for their bodies after illness forces them to. Much suffering arises not from fate, but from prolonged neglect.
This is a call for introspection. Examine how you live, what you consume and how you treat your body. You have one life and one physical vessel in which to live it. You may choose to exist constrained by pain, disease and constant medical intervention or you may choose discipline, care and long-term vitality. The choice is made daily, often in small, unglamorous decisions.
As we move forward, there is an opportunity to live with greater awareness, gratitude and responsibility. Embody the concept of Kaizen. And seek continuous improvement, brick by brick. A well-kept, well-groomed, physically healthy individual is taken more seriously not only by others but by life itself. Caring for your body is not superficial; it is foundational. Work on yourself today.
