How much do you love your body? If you’re like most women, you have a desire to improve your body in some way, and you probably have a love/hate relationship with it.
Research has shown that 80 percent of women in the U.S. are dissatisfied with their appearance. And more than 10 million are suffering from eating disorders.
The bottom line is that we become disconnected from the beautiful, miraculous nature of our bodies.
Instead of celebrating, we are constantly criticizing and fighting our bodies, suffering from poor body image, and not loving ourselves. This constant battle on our bodies leaves us feeling depressed, anxious, and that we are not good enough.
Now, imagine what it would be like to feel good about your appearance, to feel happy and appreciative of it. It’s possible to change your relationship with your body, and once you do, you will actually see it physically become more and more beautiful. Here’s how.
1. Focus on what you love about your body.
Like everything, what you focus on gets stronger. The more you focus on what you think you lack, the more negative you will get.
This is true for our bodies as well. When you focus on what you love about your body, you will find more and more to love. Your body will feel your love and lead to health, happiness and ease.
2. Express gratitude for your body.
Think about all your body enables you to do. Make a ritual to express gratitude to different body parts daily.
Thank your feet for carrying you where you need to go, your hands for helping you connect with others, your hips for attracting potential partners, or for helping you carry a healthy baby.
3. Stop comparing yourself to others.
You are unique and you do not compare to anyone on this earth. Sociologists and other concerned academics and social critics have traditionally put the spotlight on fashion magazines and other forms of media.
Social media is no different. No one is perfect. And, in the words of Gloria Steinem, “perfectionism is internalized oppression.”
4. Meditate.
When you quiet your busy mind, your body’s true miraculous nature surfaces.
5. Practice body awareness by observing your breath.
Seriously, it’s like doing yoga when you are not at yoga. Focus on your breath when walking or even when sitting at your desk. Just notice your breath move in and out of your nostrils, chest, or stomach.
6. Eat and exercise from your intuition.
Forget the schedule or the diet plan Instagram sells you.
No one’s body is the exact same. When you tune into its subtle needs, it will get what it needs to look and feel its best.
The more you tune into your body, the happier and more empowered you will be. Your and all women’s bodies are truly miraculous. They’re not a shameful problem to fix, but a gift celebrate and honor.
May you feel honored to be in a woman’s body today.
Originally written by Samin Razzaghi on YourTango
Feature Image by Jackson David on Unsplash
