This is a phrase that we hear all too often in today's world without any real explanation. What does it mean when someone says that your body is a temple? Typically, people take this to mean that their bodies are something to be worshiped and treasured. Not that this is wrong because all bodies are beautiful and everyone should love and embrace theirs, but I'm not quite sure that this is the message that that phrase is trying to convey.

A temple is a place where people go to worship and practice their faith. Therefore, it is not likely that these people actually worship the temple itself. In this same vein, I believe that this quote has a much deeper meaning than just encouraging people to worship their bodies. This saying is encouraging everyone to cultivate and love what the body harbors: a mind, a spirit, a personality, a soul.

Growing up, we are taught that in order to feel beautiful, our bodies have to be a certain way. We have to be thin with clear skin and perfect hair. We should never have an ounce of visible fat or go out without our best clothes on. With all of these messages bombarding us everyday, we often lose ourselves in the sea of expectations. However, this isn't true.

The phrase "your body is a temple" should be used to empower people in a way that has nothing to do with appearance. What makes a temple beautiful is the spirituality that fills and surrounds it. In that same way our bodies become more beautiful the more we cultivate the hidden treasures inside.

The key to beauty is letting your own unique personality shine through. Show off your incredibly silly dance moves. Tell someone all about your favorite books. Give in to your wanderlust. Show off your intelligence no matter how nerdy that guy in class says you are. Join a club you're incredibly passionate about. Show the people around you what's hidden in your soul.

When you embrace what's underneath all the fancy clothes, expensive makeup, and pretty faces, self-love can start to flourish. Beauty does not come from the temple but from what is inside. The love that forms inside is then what makes the temple itself so beautiful. So, yes, your body is a temple. Show people what makes it so great. Your beauty will shine inside and outside.