Love Your Body the Way It Is With Mindfulness
Do you look into the mirror with the same kind eyes that you’d look at a loved one with? Or do you notice a critical voice creeping in every time you see your reflection? Regardless of which gender you identify with, it’s very normal to struggle with body image, wishing that your body was different than it is.
In today’s world it can seem impossible not to compare our bodies to society’s very abstract standards. In fact, 87% of women and 65% of men compare their bodies to images they see online. Unfortunately, all of this can lead to losing touch with the miracle that is your very own body – the body that so lovingly carries you throughout this life.
Cultivating a sense of appreciation for your body brings the relief of feeling comfortable in your own skin. But sometimes this can be hard when it seems like your mind won’t stop judging and criticizing every little thing about your body.
So today we bring you some ideas from the world of mindfulness to help you love your body – and your beautiful self – just the way you are!
Start with your thoughts about your body
It may seem that your body image stems from the way your body looks on the outside. But when you look deeper, the feeling of discomfort, shame, or frustration that arises can be traced to how you think about your body.
Many of your thoughts, expectations, beliefs and ideas about how you think your body should look don’t come from you. They come from the outside: social media, magazines, TV shows, or your peers. Mindfulness helps you recognize that you don’t have to live by these thoughts and expectations!
As you practice gently noticing your self-critical thoughts and judgements, you notice that you can actually change them. Observe when you’re being harsh on yourself and see if you can choose kindness instead.
Over time, you’ll build a different way of thinking about your body by focusing on appreciating it. This will shape your self-image so you can feel greater self-worth from within rather than through seeking out from others.
Appreciate everything your body does for you
A good way to start shifting how you think about your body is to simply notice everything it already does for you. Every organ and system in your body is continuously working in the background to keep you alive.
Even in this very moment, your heart is beating and your next breath is coming – all without you having to lift a finger!
Take some time every day to learn how to appreciate a new part of your body. Think about the function each body part has to perform just so you can get out of bed or go to the bathroom in the morning.
Perhaps focus on your lower body one day, appreciating your legs and your ability to walk if you are so blessed. Then, the next day, focus on your arms. Appreciate the ability to pick things up, to pet a kitten, to hug your loved ones.
Then, spend a day appreciating your face and your entire head…your eyes for allowing you to take in the beauty of the roses in bloom…your nose for allowing you to smell freshly baked pie…your mouth for the pleasure of tasting your favorite ice cream on a hot summer’s day.
Consider creating a weekly ritual to show your body you appreciate it. This could include things like a massage, a hot bath, or some gentle yoga to stretch and feel revitalized.
Recognize your body as part of nature
When you go for a walk in the forest, you probably don’t say that one tree is better than another simply because of its size or shape. You simply see them all for what they are, appreciating how together they make up the entire lush forest.
When you look at a puppy, a kitty, or a small baby, you may feel a sense of awe and wonder at how beautiful they are. See if you can bring that same sense of appreciation and wonder for your own body. Notice how it is a part of nature, composed of the very same elements that make up your favorite mountain, beach, or flower.
“Our body is a machine for living. It is organized for that, it is its nature. Let life go on in it unhindered and let it defend itself.” - Leo Tolstoy
Redefine self-care through the eyes of love
When you work out or eat healthy out of a sense of fear or shame, self-care feels like an annoying task. But when you do these things because you appreciate your body and you don’t want to lose the ability to enjoy its sensual nature, it changes everything.
You’ll find it easier to stick to healthy habits because you love your body - not because you want to change it. This may seem like a subtle shift but it’s very profound.
You look forward to that post-workout high. You slow down when you eat so you don’t feel sluggish or tired after that big Sunday lunch with your family. You look forward to seeing your body thrive. And that’s what keeps you going when motivation seems to fade.
I know it’s not always easy to find time for self-care routines. But think of the discipline need to care for your body as a form of self-love. Each time you show up for that workout or choose a more nutritious meal, you’re telling your body: “I care about you.” And that can drastically change how well you prioritize your own well-being.
“Fall in love with taking care of yourself. Fall in love with the path of deep healing. Fall in love with becoming the best version of yourself but with patience, with compassion, and respect to your own journey.” —Sylvester McNutt
Start each morning with a self-compassion meditation
Self-compassion [link to self-compassion blog] helps you see yourself through the same loving, kind, and compassionate eyes that you would see your loved ones through. It’s about embracing and enjoying being in your body even while you may be taking steps to improve how you take care of it.
A research study has shown that regularly practicing self-compassion meditation could reduce body dissatisfaction and shame while increasing body appreciation. If you already have a daily mindfulness practice, you can add on a quick self-compassion exercise at the end of your meditation.
This can simply be mentally saying something to yourself like “May I be well. May I be happy. May I be healthy.” Recognize that you are just as worthy and deserving of the same tender care you give to others. Perhaps even give yourself a hug or smile to yourself.
Want to learn how to build deeper levels of self-compassion and self-love through mindfulness? Join us for the next enrollment of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) so you can truly love your body for all it does for you!
