Lately I’ve noticed the impact people have on my body image. That is not to blame people for making me feel a certain way, but to acknowledge that some are not aware that they have not fully embraced themselves, and so they may project either a certain extreme body or the expectation that you should have a certain body out there. That can feel limiting and shaming. It can feel like being dumped or your mother telling you you will never…
What are ways to combat the body image blues, or the feeling that everyone around you gets it, knows how to stay thin and is satisfied with themselves, when you may feel stuck in a corner with no one to talk to?
1. Inner strength. Especially in your core. By cultivating strength within, it makes it easier to stand up tall and feel strong when criticism comes your way. When you are living out of integrity, people’s thoughts cannot make you feel bad about yourself. Recommended exercises: PIlates, Yoga, Dance.
2. Responsibility. If you are getting consistent feedback that feels bad, perhaps it is an invitation to take a look @ a certain area of your life. I can relate to this after having been thin for much of my adult life, I went through a crisis and put on loads of weight. I thought it was satisfactory for me, until I acknowledged that I was emotionally eating, which was preventing me from fully expressing myself in work and relationships. Now I choose to take full responsibility for being happy and healthy and finding pleasure in life, love and food. Recommended exercises: mindful eating, contemplative journalling, coaching
3. Protection. We all need to feel safe in the world. We also pick up on other people’s emotions, as well as our unprocessed emotions have an effect on other people. So, besides making lifestyle choices that keep you in the flow, creating a safe space within as well as a sanctuary in your home and/or office, is a recommended step to maintain inner positive energy and outer authenticity. Recommended exercises: lighting candles, rituals, Emotional Freedom Technique, coaching, therapy.
4. Affirm, bless, pray. I was taught by Debbie Ford, the author of many bestselling self-help books on consciousness and living your best life, to bless my clothing and things in my life with love. I use this when I remember and it works. We all represent a certain vibration. We can do things which increase our vibration, and do things which take us off of our path of expression and beauty, causing us to lose vibratory resilience and strength. Prayers, blessings and positive thoughts help maintain a positive outlook. Next time you feel chaotic or confused in regards to a situation, see if you can find the courage to send light and love to the person, place or thing and notice the impact this has on your inner world. Especially with your body, the more good you extend, the better you can feel about yourself, and the less importance your body takes, the more your mind can be freed up to create positive pathways to full recovery from eating and body issues. Recommended exercises: mindfulness in relationships, conscious movement, service/volunteer work, journalling, prayer, meditation.
