Let’s not mince words. If you have a body image issue then you are not happy with the way your body looks. Forget about how it feels, because chances are you have long numbed yourself against feeling your body from the inside, as it has been the cause of pain and disappointment all your life.
So here we have a few factors:
How you feel inside your body
How your body looks
And
How you feel about how it looks.
So in this article, let’s leverage your insecurity about your body towards achieving better health and a better life, by using these 3 timeless holistic principles. Why holistic – because wholeness is greater than the sum of its parts.
If you want to look better, no matter what affirmations and acceptance you practice, if your desire is to look and feel better you will never be at peace with your body as it is. The dichotomy of having a better body and being comfortable with your body image is unavoidable.
Our bodies just like our lives are a work in progress, this does not mean that we are dissatisfied with the way it is, but that we are humble enough to realise that a fulfilling life is one lived in the pursuit of growth. As far as I know, looking after our bodies is our biggest responsibility to our creator. The mind body link developed through meditation helps us to become sensitive to what our bodies need amongst a plethora of other benefits.
Chanting affirmations and mantras that do not feel true cannot change your body image or make you feel better about yourself, but replacing harsh and harmful self-deprecating self talk with kind words of encouragement on the journey of health rather than a particular “outcome” can be very healing and will definitely help you become happier in your skin.
An excellent quote by the English author, Lev Grossman goes, “For just one second, look at your life and see how perfect it is. Stop looking for the next secret door that is going to lead you to your real life. Stop waiting. This is it: there’s nothing else. It’s here, and you’d better decide to enjoy it or you’re going to be miserable wherever you go, for the rest of your life, forever. What this means is to appreciate and use the body you already have to help you gain the life you desire now.
In saying that we want to have a better relationship with our bodies is in fact where the problem lies, we have disembodied ourselves and the path to happiness is in the uniting of body, mind and soul.
We need to practice mindfulness and mindlessness through meditation. We must use our bodies in movement and exercise as our modern lifestyles do not include the kind of activity our bodies were designed to carry out. And lastly we need to nourish ourselves with fresh and wholesome food that is light and easy to digest, eradicating known toxins and drink enough water to help our bodies stay hydrated and flushed.
1. Embody and Exercise
2. Meditate don’t Medicate
3. Nurture and Nourish your body
Holistically looking at these 3 principles:
Slouching and keeping poor posture is a sure way to keep you feeling and looking depressed. When we put ourselves in this state, there is no getting out of the self-dug rut. In this state, we block positive memories, fantasies and ‘hope.’ In this state, even the most beautiful men and women in the world can’t feel good about themselves. Walking, going to the gym, practicing yoga, dance or any other exercise will help you make a friend of your body again and at the same time you will reap the benefits it has to offer.
Standing tall increases testosterone levels so we feel more confidence. Amy Cuddy, Dana R Carney and Andy Yap – Power Posing – Psychological science
Stress is one of the biggest contributors to ill-health and dis-ease. Stress also leads to a slow digestive system (who needs to digest when you’re running from a lion?) same goes for the reproductive system. In modern days, we don’t expend the stress hormones and adrenalin the way we did in the past, so including exercise in our day to day lives is essential in being able to stay healthy in our bodies and minds.
Too many people are turning to psychiatrists and anti-anxiety medication to help them deal with issues that trigger stress. This is another double whammy as the more you medicate, the less you learn healthy ways of dealing with stress and the lower your threshold becomes, making it even harder for you to cope. Instill in your days, a commitment to sit and meditate allowing your mind to be free and de-stress and then become connected again to your instincts or as they say “gut” and let it guide you towards better health choices.
Be honest about what you eat, do, think, feel and say. Sensitivity is the key and through eating light and meditation, you will become more sensitive to the messages from your body intelligence.
Big Secret: Today is the youngest you will ever be again, enjoy it. Decide to turn your focus on living a holistically healthy life and you will be happier and more attractive than if you lost 10 kilos.
Image courtesy: Shutterstock
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