Day 5 - Cultivating Self Love
Our job as humans, I believe, is to truly drown ourselves in love and living. My daily practice, and what I encourage you to do, is aim towards love and living freely and further away from the standards society constructs.
Your body is beautiful and what is on the inside - your soul, your brain, your heart, your desires, your intentions, your personality, your spiritual characteristics - all of those parts of you weigh and are worth so much more than what any social standard will tell you about your body. And if you can do your absolute best, which I know you are, to cultivate everything that’s inside, as you, as the lovely individual you are, you can begin to shed away the social standards that have been put on our bodies that say we’re not beautiful, we’re this, we’re that, etc. That noise doesn’t matter, because you as a human are on this earth for the most beautiful purpose. We can not waste seconds hating the body that is actually stunning and powerful and allows us to live!
As a continuation from yesterday’s exploration of body positivity, for me personally, I am able to fully accept my body exactly as it is when I am in a practice of self-love. This includes feeding my body with healthy foods or letting my body truly enjoy any “treats” my body may desire. In other words, finding the balance. Also, knowing when to let my body rest when it's tired or pushing it physically in the gym when I want to challenge myself. Scientifically, the endorphins of working up a sweat do some of the work, but seeing my body live and breathe day to day is truly a gift.
I have navigated the ups and downs of my relationship with my body by always being honest with myself. If I'm feeling down, then I treat my body with a little more love and patience. If I’m energized and feeling good, then I soak in that feeling to save for the moments when I don’t as much.
A practice in creating mantras for myself has been helpful in cultivating self-love. Some mantras that I like to keep in my back pocket are, “I don’t need to compare myself to anyone else." I love this mantra because I don’t want to compare myself to anybody except who I want to be. That thought, focusing on me, puts a little fire under my butt and also helps me realize and picture the person that I’m becoming. And I struggle with this habit of comparison. For example, when I compare my body to other people, it just feels habitual to give into that insecure part of my brain that wants to look a certain way. However, I know that my body serves an amazing purpose. I know that I have the power to uplift my brain and speak love into my heart so with each passing day, I can look in the mirror and see the person I am, rather than the shape I have.
Another mantra I love is “My best is my best.” I’ve been trying this one lately. If I have days where my body positivity is at zero and I’m really trying but I just don’t have the energy to boost myself, I always try and tell myself my best is my best.
Lastly, an exercise of reflection is helpful by having conversations with myself, even if that’s actually out loud as if I’m my own best friend. Often in moments of weakness, when I’m most vulnerable or being a bully to myself, or when the inner judge is speaking through the megaphone, it’s just a signal that I need to pause and show myself self-love.
Ultimately, to fully experience your body just as it is, THAT’S the goal!!
Listen: “Self-love!”
Exercise
If mirrors spark negative or anxiety-prone thoughts, try covering your mirrors with positive mantras or photos of you that bring you a true sense of joy. For mantras or positivity, you can use post-its or stickers. You can also practice a mirror exercise. Look into the mirror and address the sudden urges of judging your body. For example if your brain goes to negative thoughts about your body, question that thought with a "I might feel like that but it doesn’t mean that it’s true." We train our brains to speak in a certain way to ourselves so acknowledging that it isn't always correct is tough yet very helpful as we’re finding our inner voice.
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Non-professional disclaimer: Instructor is not a licensed health professional. Any advice given is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician.
Content Warning: This workshop content (video, written, audio) discusses body dysmorphia, eating disorders, and strong emotions. If you need help at any time, please call 1-(800) 931-2237 for the National Eating Disorders Hotline or 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.