It’s not always easy to do. We may be afraid of becoming arrogant, or vain, or narcissistic, but recognizing our own beauty is a practice that’s rooted in love, not fear. Arrogance, vanity, and narcissism are all based in fear, but seeing the beauty of our physical bodies is founded in love.
One of the tenets of Christianity is the idea of loving our neighbor as we love ourselves. And of course, there has been much energy given to the idea of extending compassion to others. But there doesn’t seem to be much attention given to the idea of extending compassion towards ourselves.
And how can be be compassionate towards ourselves when sometimes all we see is our flaws, failures, shortcomings, and dare I say, sins? How can we look in the mirror and see ourselves as exquisite extensions of divine mind when what seems to be staring us in the face are our imperfections, insecurities, and fears?
We need to be willing to view our bodies differently. Ask yourself, “Am I willing to change? Am I willing to look at my body with compassion and love? Am I willing to focus on what is amazing and beautiful and stunning about my physical self?”
If you can answer “Yes” to those questions, here a couple of ideas that may help you recognize the truth of your own beauty and fall in love with your body.
First, every time you glance at yourself in the mirror, or catch a glimpse of yourself in a reflective surface, say something positive to yourself. Here are a few ideas: “I’m scrumptious!” or “I’m really cute!” or “I’m beautiful!” or “I’m having a good hair day!” You get the picture. At first, saying positive things to yourself may not feel easy. At first, they may feel stupid and silly. But like any new skill, the more you do it, the easier it will get.
Second, plunge into gratitude. And again, this may feel difficult, silly, and awkward. But I would urge you, right now, to take out a piece of paper and begin to make a list of gratitudes for your body. Today, on my list, I might include:
I am grateful that my legs carried me on a four-mile run.
I am grateful that my taste buds allowed me to enjoy two delicious cups of fresh-ground coffee with real cream.
I am grateful that my nose caught the sweet fragrance of a flowering bush.
I am grateful that my ears heard the delicate lapping of my cat at the water bowl.
As you begin to be willing to see your body differently, and as you begin to say positive statements to yourself when you look in the mirror, and as you plunge into gratitude for your physical body, you will become proficient in the art of seeing yourself for what you are: beautiful.
Up Next: When Women Start Loving Their Bodies
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