Embody your Body
Last week my daughter asked me “Why is your belly so big mom?”
Over the hump of my mid-thirties and three babies later, I feel like I barely recognize my body. It’s led me to spend the last few weeks thinking through this thought of reconnection and celebration. I’ve had some fun conversations, met with some awesome ladies, and even had a boudoir experience to start this journey for myself. The Fount has a fun event planned to open up this conversation further —but before that— I wanted to set the stage for how we can start the journey to embody our bodies!
How We Lose Touch
In a world that often bombards us with images of perfection and unrealistic beauty standards, it's easy to lose touch. We find ourselves constantly striving for something else, something better, and in the process, we disconnect from the incredible vessel that carries us through life every day – our own bodies. This disconnect can be especially challenging for women, who face unique societal pressures and expectations as well as undergo constant changes in our bodies throughout different seasons.
From a young age, many of us are taught to judge our bodies. We're told that they should look a certain way, fit into a particular mold, or meet certain beauty ideals. Whether it's through media, peer pressure, or even well-intentioned comments from loved ones, we're led to believe that our bodies are not good enough as they are. This constant comparison and self-criticism create a profound disconnection between our minds and our physical selves.
How We Reconnect and Celebrate
Reconnecting with our bodies is not only essential for our mental and emotional well-being but also for our physical health. When we neglect or mistreat our bodies, we miss out on the profound wisdom they hold. Our bodies constantly communicate with us, telling us what they need to thrive and stay healthy. But, I am asking you to go beyond that – to celebrate. Your body is incredible. Love it, give it some gratitude and much deserved praise for what it has gone through to get you where you are today. Here some thoughts on where to start:
Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and compassion, as you would a friend. Replace self-criticism with self-love. Your body is unique, beautiful, and deserving of care.
Mindful Eating: Pay attention to your body's hunger and fullness cues. Eat for nourishment and enjoyment rather than habit or emotions. Savor each bite and the experience of eating.
Move for Joy: Engage in physical activities you genuinely enjoy. Exercise should celebrate what your body can do, not punish its appearance.
Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine through meditation, deep breathing, or simply checking in with your body and emotions.
Surround Yourself with Positivity: Seek uplifting influences and communities that celebrate diversity and self-acceptance. Unfollow accounts that make you feel inadequate.
Seek Support: If reconnecting with your body feels challenging, consider seeking guidance from a therapist, counselor, or support group. They offer a safe space for exploration.
Embracing the Journey
Reconnecting and embodying your current body is a journey, not a destination. It's about recognizing your body's strength, resilience, and wisdom. Reclaim your power, reject harmful beauty standards, and embrace your unique beauty, including scars and imperfections. This journey is yours alone, with no one-size-fits-all approach. Celebrate small victories, and be patient and gentle with yourself. As you embark on this path of reconnection and self-acceptance, your relationship with your body will transform. You'll come to appreciate your body as an incredible gift, loving and caring for it in ways that honor its unique needs and capabilities.
Here's to the journey of embracing your body. I can’t wait to jump into it further at our upcoming event - Embody your Body with my friends Julie from Stretch Your Spirit and Veronica from Boudoir by Veronica.
