The Body Revelation: Physical and Spiritual Practices to Metabolize Pain, Banish Shame, and Connect to God with Your Whole Self

Emotional pain can disrupt “our body-brain connection” and spark body hatred and obsession, contends Keeton (Heir to the Crown), founder of Christian nonprofit Revelation Wellness, in this earnest offering. Instead of trying to eradicate pain, Keeton writes, readers should “metabolize” it into useful energy to “renew our minds and live fully connected to ourselves.” Keeton’s suggested interventions include connecting with difficult emotions; asking God or friends for aid in times of need (“Next time your pants feel tight and you’re tempted to respond with disgust,” she recommends, summon God’s help in finding “something to be thankful for”); and avoiding overindulgence in food (she especially highlights the dangers of excess sugar, which triggers inflammation). Keeton ends sections with questions to spur reflection, recommendations for physical exercise, and prayers. Though the author’s links between God and wellness sometimes feel forced (“much of the difficulty in making good choices around your health... is due to the schemes of Satan”), her holistic approach to well-being and assertions that one’s body “can be any size you want it to be as long as you cultivate the heart God wants you to have” resonate. Christians seeking to integrate their spiritual and physical practices will want to have a look. (June)