When I bought a pair of Asics running shoes a few years ago, I noticed a familiar Latin saying printed on the box: “Anima sana in corpore sano” –“a sound mind in a sound body.” It is a variation on “Mens sana in corpore sano” (translated similarly). I thought it was interesting to see Latin on a box of running shoes, but I did not give it a second thought. Whatever it takes to sell shoes, I figured.
Juvenalis, a Roman poet and satirist (55-127 A.D.), is credited with the saying, though I do not know which version is more authentic. His point was a good one. People of every generation have championed the value of a healthy body, even if the notion of health has varied greatly through the centuries. The body/mind connection is a reminder that we are whole persons, that one aspect of living directly affects the others. Intellectual, psychological and physical health go hand-in-hand. I notice that I live more serenely, think more clearly and work more energetically when I exercise regularly.
I found out the other day that the brand name Asics is in point of fact an acronym for Anima Sana In Corpore Sano. It is interesting that Asics chose “anima” over “mens,” because while “mens” usually referred to the mind in its intellectual aspects, “anima” referred to the more encompassing “vital principal” of life, the “breath of life,” and one’s overall sense of well-being. In fact, “anima” is the Latin word used for “soul” in Church writings and the liturgy.
Juvenalis was not a Christian, but his famous adage certainly lends itself to Christian application. With apologies to him and to Asics, I would like to suggest another variation: “A sound soul in a sound body.” As summer approaches and our attention is turned toward healthy physical appearance (if not necessarily healthy living), we would do well to remember there is something deep within — but all-encompassing and literally life-giving — that begs for attention, discipline and nourishment: the soul.
Writing to the Christians at Corinth, St. Paul noted that Christian freedom is not freedom “from” restraint but freedom “for” positive striving for fullness in Christ, a natural outgrowth of faith and one’s desire to share the crown of victory with him. Drawing on the Corinthians’ fascination with healthy bodies and the popularity of their Isthmian athletic games, he wrote:
“Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win. Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one. Thus I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight as if I were shadowboxing. No, I drive my body and train it, for fear that, after having preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.” (1 Cor 9: 24-27)
Paul knew that of all the things a Christian could do with the freedom he or she has found in Christ, striving for spiritual health was the most significant of all. A crown of laurel leaves may be fresh and fragrant for a few hours, and a gold medal may look good on the mantel, but both are merely man-made, momentary prizes. The life already given us in Christ is eternal, and it is worth cultivating. Why not live so as to be “sound” and “healthy” in soul? After all, it is the soul that makes the body human.
A beautiful tan, while noticeable to us and everyone who sees us, is not an indicator of health. Hours spent in the gym or on the running track do not guarantee a life of peace. Physical strength is not the same as moral strength. Obsessing over one’s bodily appearance is ultimately like striking at the air.
Attention to the soul makes attention to the body and mind complete. We are in good health only when we pay deliberate attention to our spiritual lives, when we understand, as Paul did, that for us “life is Christ.” (Philippians 1:21) There is a clear and undeniable connection between a healthy mind and a healthy body, but to limit ourselves to a well-toned physique, interesting leisure reading, and the insight of self-help tools is to cheat ourselves of the fullness of life.
Benedictine Archabbot Lambert Reilly of St. Meinrad Archabbey, in “Latin Sayings for Spiritual Growth,” comments on Juvenalis’ famous adage: “There is a connection between what I do on my knees and how I experience the events of the day. If one is neglected, the other suffers … The body is an expression of the soul and ultimately what we do with the soul truly determines whether we really care about our bodies.”
A sound soul in a sound body. Giving attention to our spiritual lives is the path to full health, soundness, saneness and well-being. Our culture’s obsession with healthy physical appearance is a constant invitation to train with and for Christ. It works both ways. Do we truly care about our body and mind? If so, we will care first for our soul.
Do you have an intention for Bishop Sartain’s prayer? If so, send it to him at Bishop Sartain’s Prayer List, Diocese of Little Rock, 2500 North Tyler St., P.O. Box 7239, Little Rock, AR 72217.