What a Catholic Priest Thinks of Extreme Body Transformations
Often it has been said the notion of a “body transformation” presents a moral challenge: On the one hand, the very idea seems to suggest that we’re not quite enough. On the other, it seems that everyone in the industry is trying to nab the attention of potential customers by making these challenges all the more ridiculous and extreme–to the point that they’re not even healthy; they’re just obnoxious (if not outright dangerous).
So, what are we to make of this?
Well, maybe I’m just old school, but when presented with a moral dilemma, I go straight for a priest. Lucky enough, I happen to know just the one: Father Steve Grunow, CEO of Word On Fire, himself a bodybuilder and fitness buff.
On this episode, Father Steve and I discuss:
- Why it is that we can never attain complete happiness by reaching a certain number on the scale.
- How to find the right orientation in fitness and life: One that will allow you to pursue your fitness goals while maintaining a healthy relationship with your body.
- The spiritual corollaries to establishing a healthy body image, and why we need them.
- Why fitness challenges aren’t necessarily a bad thing, and how to go about them safely and sustainable.
- And more!
This episode couldn’t be more important. So many people struggle with body image and feeling like they’re not enough. I can tell you this: You are enough. And there is a way to marry the pursuit of excellence without getting down on yourself, which is what this episode is all about.
Enjoy, and if you can think of anybody who might benefit from hearing this, please share.
What a Catholic Priest Thinks of
Extreme Body Transformations
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Show Notes and Mentioned Resources
Word on Fire Pivotal Players Series
Bishop Robert Barron’s Talk at Google
Is It Healthy to Be Religious? (Father Steve’s previous appearance on The Pat Flynn Show)
The Pat Flynn Show
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Ten years ago I underwent an amazing physical transformation which I have shared with the world. Ten years later I continue to inspire others with my story. However, I have not been able to share my current spiritual transformation which has been even more dramatic and meaningful than my physical transformation. This podcast has opened my mind to the possibility of been able to combine my health and wellness passion with my spiritual life. Very grateful to Father Steve for allowing me understand this concept and giving me the courage to share my spiritual transformation with my followers. Warmly, Francisco
Francisco,
Your experience seems to fall right in line with what we were talking about. Thanks for sharing!
And I’m with you: I don’t think I would have any lasting results myself, if I had not also experienced a profound (though uncomfortable at the time) move from the physical to the spiritual. I wish you all the more success, and hope you share both sides of your story for many years to come.
We should desire to do what God wants for us.. Realignment process, not bad things, right perspective and orientation… This is a very timely read for me as I also have been having conversations with some friends regarding this, that happiness on the physical aspect is very superficial. But I personally think that it’s not exactly what you become on the outside (or physically) that is of main focus but also what you have become through the discipline and balance you’ve placed on your own life as well. Thank you Pat for bringing in Father Steve, both of your insights have truly given me more perspective on this conflicting issue!
This podcast hits on so many wonderful points. My head is reeling. I think I’m just so pleased you have the courage to speak it as it is. Being overweight has it’s deeper reasons, and until they are addressed the weight will remain/return. Food can be abused to numb oneself from reality. Search your heart and discover what you are trying to NOT deal with. And DEAL with it! Forgive, and grow!