What part of your body have your learned to hide whenever a photo is being taken? Do you stick your jaw out to avoid the double chin? Do you suck in your gut or dive behind someone shorter? Do you put one foot in front of the other to make your thighs appear thinner? Or do you duck out of the way of the photo altogether?We all, every one of us, have parts of our body we have spent our lives wishing away. Starving. Whipping into shape or hiding behind baggy clothes. We may have injuries, sicknesses, or disabilities we would give anything to heal. Our bodies may jiggle where they used to be firm, sprout silver hair instead of brown, display stretch marks or wrinkles or sun spots or scars.
But it is our bodies that hug those we love. That leak tears to release the anguish of our hearts. That dance, and cook, and laugh, and eat tacos. So much of this life is physical. And your body carries you through it.
Who are you, truly? You are a collection of your feelings, your hopes and your fears, your loves and your tragedies But that soul is entwined into your body. Who you are is very very much WHAT you are. A body. Flesh and bones, teeth, hair and skin. We spend so much time wishing our bodies different that we forget to marvel at the walking talking miracles we are.
Take a minute today, and visualize the body part you are most at war with. Focus all your thoughts inward on that one area of you, and think- what is this body part meant to do? Does it do it’s job faithfully? Does its softness cuddle children and grandchildren? Does its bones hold you upright and strong? Has it ever given up on you?
I beg you, spend several minutes breathing love into that body part right now. Forgive it, and yourself, for not being what society tells you it is supposed to be. Thank your body for being with you, on the best day of your life, and for holding you together on your worst. Allow yourself to fully be the miracle that you are. Skin and spirt. Mind and matter.
JoyPlusGrace 