Core Focus DPT

Temptation sneaks into our lives in subtle yet impactful ways: the extra calories from indulging in sweets, hours lost scrolling through social media, or the inertia that keeps us seated from office chairs to couches. These habits often win us over because they are easy, convenient, and, in the moment, incredibly satisfying. But the cost? Our health, productivity, and sense of fulfillment.

Temptation hits me hardest right after dinner, especially since I aim to stop eating by 6 PM. This used to be my time for a glass (or two) of wine and some cheese and crackers while unwinding with my phone or TV. Now, I stay with the kids as they watch TV, but I use this time more intentionally—journaling, blogging, or handling business tasks. I also focus on finishing my water goal and completing my final workout for the day. Afterward, a shower and skincare routine leave me feeling accomplished and ready for bed.

To combat these subtle temptations, it’s essential to identify their triggers and acknowledge how they derail us from our goals. Awareness is the first step to change.

Building Resilient Habits

James Clear, in Atomic Habits, emphasizes the power of making good habits easy and bad habits hard. Small, intentional adjustments to our environment can significantly shape our behaviors:

• Out of sight, out of mind: Place candy or sweets in an inconvenient spot, like the back of the highest cupboard.
• Accountability is key: Commit to workouts or healthy routines with a buddy who will keep you motivated.
• Minimize distractions: Delete social media apps or set app limits to reduce mindless scrolling.

These strategies help shift the odds in our favor, ensuring our environment supports our intentions instead of working against them.

Resisting Temptation with Purpose

In Matthew 4, Jesus faced three significant temptations after 40 days of fasting. His steadfastness provides a timeless example of how to overcome temptation with resolve and faith. Here’s how He succeeded:

1. Grounded in Scripture: Jesus used the Word of God as his shield, responding to each temptation with unwavering truth.
2. Focus on Purpose: He remained committed to His mission, not swayed by momentary desires or distractions.
3. Rejecting the tempter: By rejecting the devil outright, Jesus took decisive action to remove the source of temptation.

In moments of weakness, we can learn from His example by anchoring ourselves in our values, staying focused on long-term goals, and taking proactive steps to distance ourselves from what tempts us.

To draw a parallel between how Jesus resisted temptation and how people can use their bodies to understand their movement patterns and limitations, we can highlight the importance of discipline, intentionality, and resisting temptation.

Listening to Your Body’s Signals

Just as Jesus relied on Scripture to ground Himself in truth and respond to temptation, we can ground ourselves in the truth of our body’s response to guide our movement. When exploring physical limitations and strengths:

• Tune into sensations: Pay attention to what your body communicates—tightness, ease, or discomfort. This “truth” helps you identify areas that need attention or strengthening.
• Be present in movement: Use slow, deliberate movements in exercises like yoga or functional mobility work to understand how your body responds in different positions. You gain clarity on where you move well and where you need to adjust.

Intentional Positioning to Understand Your Body

Jesus stayed focused on His mission, resisting distractions. Similarly, you can approach your movement practice with purpose by using specific positions and techniques to explore your body’s capabilities:

• Intentional testing: Use positions like squats, lunges, or bridges to assess joint mobility, balance, and strength. Notice where movements feel fluid and where they feel restricted.
• Progressive exploration: Gradually challenge your body in different planes of motion (e.g., side bends, rotations) to uncover movement patterns and areas that need support.
• Revisit and refine: Just as focus allowed Jesus to resist distractions, returning to these positions regularly lets you track improvement and deepen body awareness. Purposeful positioning allows you to treat your body as a whole system, not just isolated parts. Do more of what feels good and less of what doesn’t.

Responding to Your Body’s Feedback

When Jesus rejected the devil, He took decisive action to resist what didn’t serve His mission. In a similar way, you can reject passivity or fear of discomfort and actively respond to what your body reveals:

• Adjust and adapt: If a movement feels challenging or painful, modify it to suit your current capability while still working toward improvement.
• Strengthen weak areas: Use feedback from your body to guide targeted exercises or stretches that address imbalances or limitations.
• Cultivate resilience: Don’t let the frustration of limitation discourage you; instead, see it as an opportunity for growth. Responding to your body’s signals with curiosity and action builds a foundation for healing and better movement.

We develop a deeper understanding of how our body moves, where it struggles, and how to care for it holistically. This practice not only heals physical pain but fosters a sense of connection and empowerment in our daily lives.

Temptation is inevitable, but how we respond to it determines the trajectory of our lives. By making intentional choices to build better habits and drawing strength from faith and purpose, we can overcome even the most persistent distractions. What small change will you make today to resist temptation and align your actions with your values?

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** The views and opinions expressed on this site belong to Vigeo Ergo Consulting LLC. Any advice or suggestions offered herein are not a replacement for medical advice from a physician or other healthcare professional. My blogs are for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.