Change me into one who accepts & honours my body

I've been thinking a lot about beauty and body-acceptance. Perhaps because we are getting out and about more - out of loungewear - and perhaps a little physically heavier than before lockdown. I know so many people - both female and male - who are more disgusted and sad about their bodies than ever before. The way they look, the way they feel physically and the associated shame and self-blame. Since these emotions are too overwhelming, they've unconsciously disconnected from their bodies which of course only makes matters worse. When we disconnect we are no longer in tune with ourselves. We say "oh fk it, I'll finish the packet of biscuits" or "Let's order another takeaway" whether our body can digest or process it or not. Or whether we need it or not. We load up to fill the void of that disconnection. And, unsurprisingly, we're less likely to move our bodies and more likely to stay on the couch or in bed.

So, I want to remind you that connection to our bodies is SO important. Vital. We need to go through the hard, heavy emotions and release them. Free ourselves of them. So we can begin to connect more deeply and LISTEN to our bodies. The body has its own innate wisdom, which is UNIQUE to you. YOUR body knows what YOU need. And that will be different from the next person. 

Now, it's hard to hear that wisdom when we are hating our bodies. Think of someone you hate or intensely dislike. Imagine them telling you something - the best piece of wisdom you could possibly receive in that moment - would you listen? Would you take it in and act accordingly? Unlikely. You'd probably be too busy staring at them with hatred to hear - or value - anything coming out of their mouth 🤣

The same is true of your body. It's telling you all the time. Whispering what it needs. And if you're too busy looking at it with hatred, or purposely not looking at it and disconnecting completely, you won't be able to hear. And it becomes a viscous circle because the more you don't listen, the less likely you are to give it what it needs to stay healthy. And the unhealthier you feel, the more you want to remain disconnected and keep hating it. And the cycle goes on..

It's heart-breaking when kids learn this pattern from parents. They learn that their body is a source of shame and discomfort, rather than the beautiful vessel that houses our soul and always has our back. Your body is ALWAYS working FOR you. 

So, how do we stop hating and disconnecting you ask? By moving into acceptance. I understand, wholeheartedly, this sounds a lot easier than it is in practice. I get it. I'm still a work in progress myself. And I know the messaging we receive from society is the complete opposite to body-acceptance. Corporations would lose billions of Pounds if we all accepted and - dare I say liked - our bodies as they are. They'd be no reason to buy their lotions and potions and hair dyes and have liposuction and all the rest.. 

So, despite all that, I'm suggesting moving your needle towards accepting your body. Accepting it as it is. Now. Not when XYZ changes. But NOW. So ask yourself: Could I be open to the possibility that nothing needs to change? Just for now. That right now I'm ok as I am ?

I invite you to save the following Commitment Statement and repeat it every day for the next 10 days. I call it a Commitment Statement rather than an affirmation because to me it feels deeper - I'm committing to my self-acceptance. Rather than putting it out to a higher power and hoping for the best 🤞

"Change me into one who accepts my body, wholly and completely, as it is in this moment."

Even if you don't believe the words at first, or doubt your feelings will change, stick with it. Recite it (inside or out loud) every day and 10 days later you might notice an internal shift has taken place. These are powerful words. I'd love to know how it lands for you and how you feel after reciting this Commitment Statement. May it help you to edge towards acceptance (if you aren't already there) and begin to celebrate your body and your beauty, rather than view it negatively. I certainly feel more empowered, kinder and more loving towards my body. 

Enjoy a marvellous week believing and KNOWING you are beautiful - inside and out. No doubt about it. 

With all my love,
Chandrika ❣️

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