Your body loves you
On Thanksgiving, many of us will prepare and sit down to a delicious feast, yet some of us will feel regretful afterward, deliberately avoiding the scale and bathroom mirror until after the New Year’s resolutions begin.
So many of us are unkind to our bodies; in our society men, women, and even children view ourselves under a highly critical and judgmental microscope.
What are your body “if only’s”?
We think, “if only I…” was skinny, had a six-pack, more hair, less hair, a smaller nose, whiter teeth, thinner thighs, less freckles, and on and on, the list is endless…
Instead of “if only,” I invite you to consider “what if” – what if we thanked our bodies instead?
Thank your body: The unnoticed daily symphony
Our bodies are remarkable feats of biological engineering that allow us to interact with the world around us. Take a moment to appreciate the gifts and pleasure they give us: eyes to see, noses to smell, tongues to taste, hands to touch and feel, brains to create and imagine, feet to walk, climb and run…
Show your body some love
Interrupt the monologue of unkind, unhelpful thoughts about your body and show it some love instead!
The following practice can be done as often as you want, solo or with a partner – the more you practice it, the more your body will respond to the positive attention and your new whole-body appreciation attitude. You may also find that your relationship (both with yourself and your partner) will enjoy a deeper and more enhanced intimacy.
Body Gratitude Ritual
- Stand in front of a mirror with as little clothing on as you feel comfortable.
Try to build up to doing this naked and in front of a full-length mirror. - Say 3 things that you love and appreciate about your body.
If this is a struggle, try instead to say something you appreciate about what your body can DO, for example: “I love that my feet have allowed me to walk around my favorite vacation spots” or “I appreciate how my body responds to loving touch”. Open yourself up to the words of appreciation, and really let them sink in. - If you are with your partner, take turns naming 3 things that you love about each other’s bodies.
Allow yourself to receive these compliments as the gift they are; don’t turn them down or deflect them. If your partner compliments you on a body part that you feel sensitive about, let yourself be vulnerable, welcome how they see you and thank them for their appreciation – over time you may come to see the beauty of your body as they do! - Daily practice.
Write your words of appreciation on a small piece of paper or sticky note and leave it in a place where you can read it every day, allowing a sense of gratitude for your body to grow within you every day.
I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving, may we all enjoy the upcoming holiday season with a newfound acceptance and appreciation for our bodies and the myriad of ways they give us pleasure.