Our relationship with our body evolves over time. Our thoughts and feelings may differ
as we age and experience injuries or weight changes. We use our bodies every day in different ways, whether sleeping, walking, exercising, typing, and beyond. We often overlook gratitude for what we can do instead of critiquing or focusing on a number on the scale. We face additional challenges today with the internet. “Experts” sharing diets and what is or is not healthy. People display their body transformations on social media apps. It can feel overwhelming and difficult not to internalize others’ opinions.
As a society, we are in a movement of change around body positivity and, more recently,
body neutrality. Notable brands are using mannequins of different shapes and sizes. The media now includes people with disabilities to more accurately portray a view closer to the truth. And yet, so many still struggle with their body image and comparing themselves to others. Even though there is much more diversity, thinness and whiteness are often most celebrated in terms of “beauty” or “attraction” to strive for women, while muscles and whiteness predominately rule the narrative for men.
So, how do you break free from these limitations to practice more self-love physically? With this blog, this is an opportunity to slow down and connect with your body. Focus on what your body can do.
It is common to bring more attention to perceived deficits with our bodies; however, how
much time are you spending celebrating all your body can do? Sit down at the end of the day
and go over all that your body provided you. Maybe your hands made a meal for you or your
family. Your back likely provided support while sitting during a work day. Your arms may have
given a warm embrace to a loved one, and your body received that embrace, too. When you
slow down to notice all that you have done throughout the day instead of spending time on what you cannot do based on someone else’s capabilities, you can celebrate the body that is yours.
Another way to honor your body is to notice areas of tension or stress. While this may be
a result of negative emotions like anger or anxiety, when we notice what is coming up in our
bodies, we are more connected to ourselves. This practice can foster a feeling of being grounded even when life may feel unstable. We are not avoiding or distracting what we are experiencing physically, which may be uncomfortable but also may be your truth at that moment. We can stay curious and have a deeper felt experience, which can also result in a greater sense of appreciation for being able to understand what our body is telling us.
Read more on body image (https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/249190#tips)
Whose definition of “healthy” are you using?
Do you know where you formed your idea of what your body should or should not look
like? It may be as early as childhood when other kids may have commented on your body or
those who raised you shared opinions. These comments can stay with us and create a narrative that one “acceptable” form of your body exists. This is untrue. Our bodies are ours alone and are impacted by so many different factors that it would be nearly impossible to use anyone else’s standards as a fair metric. As we age, our bodies naturally change. Are you holding yourself to expectations from years ago? If so, how is that serving you today?
Ask yourself some questions.
When do you feel your best? What clothes make you feel the most comfortable? What foods bring you joy? Finding balance is a journey only you can know. There are a lot of conversations now (and historically) about the medical field having a narrow lens around bodies and health. It is important to have provider care that makes you feel safe, seen and heard. All of your circumstances should be taken into account when considering your health. How you see yourself and show appreciation for your body can significantly impact your emotional and mental health.
Redistributing Your Time
When you look in the mirror, what are you saying to yourself? What do you see? Are you
only noticing things you wish were different? If it is challenging to celebrate yourself in that
moment, try focusing on areas that go beyond appearances. What characteristics are you proud of?
What kind acts have you done for yourself or others lately? It is okay to have conflicting
feelings around your body. In more discouraging moments, how do you shift your focus to go
beyond the physical? The simple act of focusing on your breathing can be a way to connect to your body and your internal experience and shift your negative thoughts. When you may be stuck in a thought pattern around your body, try externalizing your focus, whether with a hobby, activity, music, reading, etc. This may provide relief from spending time with self-criticism or comparison to others. Remember that finding a sense of contentment with your body may take time, yet it is worth exploring. You deserve to feel grateful for the body that is yours.
VIDEO: Guided meditation for body image (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvPWusnqbWI)
Consider Your Whole Self
While this blog intends to have you challenge current thoughts about your body or
question your relationship to it, the fact remains that you are more than your body. You have the autonomy to decide what beauty, health, level of activity, fitness, ability, and perseverance mean to you. Do not base it on someone else’s comments or definition. You may be dimming your light when engaging in others’ ideals. Of course, we can have goals for our bodies. We can strive for change or self-improvement. How are you caring for yourself and celebrating the journey? Or is peace only reached after you cross the metaphorical finish line of your goals?
Luckily, we can do both. We can want something different in the future and practice acceptance now.
Practicing radical self-love
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