How do you focus on growing spiritually and still take care of your physical appearance?. I have noticed that the more we grow spiritually, the less time we tend to spend on physical appearance. Is there a need for balance and how is this done?
I can't divorce my spirituality from my physical appearance. I endeavor to always look reasonably decently dressed and my hair done, (I don't wear makeup) unless I'm at home. I stand in front of my students daily and it is incumbent on me to be appropriate. When I wash my hair (which I have a lot of), I give thanks for the water, the shampoo and yes, the mop on my head. When I dress, I give thanks for the clothes. When I drive to school, I pray for my students, that I can not only teach them, but somehow influence their lives in a positive manner. When I grade papers, I ask for the grace and guidance to see where my students are having problems and pray for the words to use to help them understand. My faith is entwined with my temporal self.
As a mom who had many small children, my daily routine is still short, sweet and to the point. It takes me 15 minutes or less to get ready, not including a shower. As I am doing that, I have my morning conversation with my Lord. There were times when the prayer was no more than "Lord, help me from losing it with the kids today". Now, it's more centered on the children I am about to teach.
I do have a dress code for school, and since I'm an active teacher, I usually dress fairly plainly, clothes that allow me to get up, sit down, sit on the floor if necessary, stand on a ladder. Sometimes my day feels like I've run a marathon.
Ok...back to the original question. Find a balance. Growing spiritually, for me, leads to taking care of my personal appearance. I represent Christ even if I don't say a word about it. There's no reason to "let myself go" in favor of spirituality. Yes, I do go get my hair cut and colored, manicures and pedicures done. As I said, I'm a teacher, high school age. Its incumbent on me to be an example to the young women and men God has given me to teach.