12 Ways to Love Your Body (in 5 Minutes or Less)
Do you care for your body in the same way that you care for your home, your children or your bank account?
The things that you invest your time and energy in are the things you value most. Oftentimes we don't pay attention to the body until something breaks down. That's not you, right?
Listen… it's not unusual, or uncommon, to have mixed feelings about your body. In an era where beauty is air brushed into non-existent flawless perfection, it can be challenging to look in the mirror and love what you see.
There are so many mixed messages about your body too. This is good. That is bad. Do it like this, but not like that. Beauty magazines are full of expert articles on any topic imaginable concerning your body. It's not surprising that you start to doubt your inner inklings and what's true.
On the flip side, there are many well meaning voices telling you how to win the beauty battle. Loving yourself gets plenty of lip service. But you won't get it that way. Loving yourself is not so much about what you say, it's about who you are and what you do. There's no doubt that making the leap is a stretch (especially if you've grown up in a dysfunctional environment). The key is to make it an easy practice.
No matter what shape you're in, your body is worthy of your care. If you find yourself slipping into a state of self criticism remember all the things your body allows you to do.
Your hands help you find your way in a dark room and gift you the treasure of touch to hold a loved one close.
You can see the beauty of the world around you and the hope in a child's eyes.
You can smell the alluring scent of a rose or inhale the exquisite aroma of a home cooked meal.
You can hear the hoot of an owl and music that moves your being into unbridled joy.
You can taste an infinite number of foods and enjoy the variety of flavors popping on your palate.
Your body is a vehicle for creative expression: you can sing, dance, paint, write and so much more.
The best way I've found to saturate your cells with the sensation of love is to treat yourself well on a regular basis. It is such a treat to have your body! Loving it right back is the best form of appreciation. And it doesn't have to be difficult or time consuming.
In honor of the self love leap, and the infinite ways in which love can be experienced, today let's make love a verb. Let's take small, easy actions throughout the day to plump up your self love:
[feature_box style=”2″ only_advanced=”There%20are%20no%20title%20options%20for%20the%20choosen%20style” width=”400″ alignment=”center”]12 Ways to Love Your Body
(in 5 minutes or less)
Hang like a rag doll.
Walk barefoot on the grass.
Drink a glass of water.
Take a dance break.
Eat a piece of fruit.
Rest in Corpse Pose.
Sing out loud.
Soak under a hot, then cool shower.
Rub your feet with essential oils.
Stand in Mountain Pose.
Give/Get a hug.
Breathe: Deeply. Deliciously.
[/feature_box]Of course there are more than 12 ways to love your body. These are just some ideas to prime the pump and get you into connection with your own body wisdom. You have infinite resources within you that will guide you to the perfect ways for YOU to love your body. All you need to do is listen. Then take action on the insights that come your way. This ensures that your body continues its deep dialogue with you.
Once you invest in loving your body, you re-set your default to a loving approach to your body and your life. Start loving your body and the rest of your world falls right in line.
How do you love your body every day? I'd love to hear how loving your body shows up in your world!
PS Ready to dive into the sweetness of self love?
