Body hatred runs rampant in our society, and I’d like to see that start changing. It’s like we think that if we show ourselves some compassion, then we’ll just not care, eat whatever we want, and let ourselves go.
But, If body hatred really worked to help us eat healthy and exercise, it would’ve worked by now….if you know what I mean.
All the research I’ve come across recently points to the importance of working specifically on body acceptance. Yep, turns out that compassion and acceptance go a long way in helping us to start treating ourselves better.
In a perfect world, we wouldn’t even think about our bodies or care about what they looked like. We’d just go on about our business of doing stuff that we enjoy, accepting all of our beautiful differences.
But, until that day comes…I have an alternative that may help you to start accepting your body, and feeling better about it, so that you treat it better.
With that said, it’s a HUGE LEAP to shift our thinking from body hatred to body love.
In fact, you may never actually LOVE or LIKE your body for that matter, and that’s okay. You don’t have to love something to respect or accept it. And this is where body neutrality comes in!
Body neutrality is where we take negative judgements or unhelpful/subjective statements that we have about what our bodies look like and turn them into more objective/gratitude statements about what our bodies can do.
So how can you start to practice body neutrality?
Unhelpful/Negative Statement:
“My arms are so flabby, huge, and look horrible in tank tops.”
Neutral Statement:
“These are my arms. They allow me to cook, reach, swim, lift weights, drive, pick up my children, and hug those special people that matter to me.”
Which of the above statements make you feel better instantly? I know which one I’d pick. Now, it’s time for you to practice.
In the comments below, tell me a negative thought that you have/had about your body, and how you could turn it into a neutral statement the next time you find yourself thinking or saying it.
Talk Soon,
Tommie
A VERY HUGE P.S. and Announcement for Women in the San Diego Area…
If you like what your reading about here and want to work on feeling more confident in the body you have right now, then join Alicia and I for our LIVE Body Love Workshop.
The BODY LOVE WORKSHOP
Where: Being-Fit Fitness Centers – Mira Mesa
When: Saturday, April 29th @ 1 PM.
Price: ONLY $39 for the first 10 women who sign up.
Claim your spot by clicking >>> HERE <<<
Here’s all the FUN stuff we’ll be doing at the workshop:
1-3 PM: Body Image Education: Learn how to embody confidence, feel more comfortable in your own skin, and develop self-worth outside of your appearnace. We will also uncover how to find your set-point weight and how to eat and move more intuitively to maintain it.
3-4 PM: Unlock your feminine power, improve confidence, have fun, and feel sexy through a Burlesque Dance Class taught by Coco L’Amour from Glitter Tribe Studios.
4-5 PM: Dinner Break
5-6:30 PM: Embrace Documentary Showing
6:30 – 7 PM: Final Q&A
*The Embrace Documentary viewing is optional. All the education and dance class will be over by 4 PM, if you need to leave early.
Reserve your spot >>> HERE <<<