Using gratitude to help with body acceptamce

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Mon, 06/02/2012 - 14:39
Em
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Hi folks .. just a really quick one .. hope it's helpful ..

I found body image and body acceptance a tricky one as most of us do.. I found that if I put less pressure on myself to like my body and focused instead of being grateful for all that it does for me... I could get along with myself.

No matter what i thought about how my body looked ... I had to be honest with myself that I was lucky I had 2 1egs that worked, that gave me independence... that I had 2 hands that i could do all kinds of things with, that i could hug someone. When i was told they were good big hands for playing the bass - I never wished for small skinny girl hands anymore .. That i have eyes and can see beauty, see my friends etc...

So after a shower, I started to put moisturiser on my dry flaking skin, it had needed moisturiser for years but I hated touching my body so I never did it. For every part of my body that I moisturised I thought - well still do - think of a grateful affirmation.... Or sometimes I think of the experiences of the day that it has carried me through and i just think thank you...

I guess what happens is that in being thankful for your body, you end up feeling thankful for life, for being here, for all the people you love and who love you -also wonder at the miracle and mystery of life - that we are actually here .. .. and that brings you a nice warm energy.

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Mon, 06/02/2012 - 20:13
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jojo
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Thank you

Thank you so much for this Em..... Really. I think that's a brilliant way to rekindle the romance with the old bones and joints instead of liking it from an aesthetic point of view. I've vacillated between thinking I had no body image issues to have near panic attacks whilst away on holidays about it. Deep down I realisedi was avoiding my body entirely. Never ever looking in the mirror isn't being free of the issues it's avoiding my vessel of life entirely because I hated it.

I really think the way you've spelt it out here is so clear and so accessible and will sidestep the aesthetic war and one day we end up being grateful for our wonderful bodies. I've just really begun (and finally stuck at it) moisturising my dry skin so I'll implement the rest of your advice after my shower tomorrow.

PS. I find warming cream up in my hands before means the moisturiser isn't stone cold when it goes on to my body - so now I've no excuse that it's not cosy or comfortable to do.

After your post I'm energised further to finally make peace. Thank you so much. It's all about slowing down enough and spending quality time with the body.

Cheers x

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Tue, 07/02/2012 - 00:36
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Patricia
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Thank you Em and Jojo for

Thank you Em and Jojo for your post.I love the idea of using gratitude to help with body acceptance. Really nice tip. And the idea of warming up moisturiser cream in your hands before applying it to your body is a fantastic tip because it can only feel warm and comforting on your skin...Nice one . Take care, Patricia

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