Oh, yes, I’m a good habitat for my soul.
Do you like being the habitat for your soul?
One of the areas that comes up for my clients very frequently is comfort in their bodies…or lack of comfort in their bodies.
For so many reasons, a lot of us have a conflicted relationship with the physical form that allows us to experience our human life.
Recently, I took my dog for a mid-day walk. The sun was shining and a breeze was rustling through the leaves.
I started to wiggle and shimmy in delight for my feelings, the pure animal sensation of being on earth to have that experience.
And I had the brilliant thought, “Oh, yes, she’s a good habitat!”
(“She” being me.)
Spend time thinking about your body.
Your body, a unique combination of cells and electricity…
…allows you to read this article…
…and hold the people you love tightly…
…and enables you to walk toward all of your dreams.
What would life be like without your body?
No life, at least no more human life.
How do you think of your body?
Do you think that it’s amazing? It is! One in billions, not another one like it.
Do you spend time wishing it were bigger, smaller, thinner, taller?
Do you admire your reflection in the mirror or avoid making eye contact?
Do you squeeze yourself in a hug or squeeze your love handles in disgust?
Here are 5 ways you can appreciate your habitat:
- Look at yourself in the mirror, really look. Notice how you think about the reflection. Are you kind or critical?
- Wiggle your parts. Wiggle your fingers, toes, shoulders and nose. Consider how many amazing mechanics go into those movements, tendons and muscles and nerves.
- Practice yoga nidra. Find a video on YouTube and enjoy the guided tour of your body.
- Close your eyes to listen and smell. Feel the sensation of air passing in and out of your nose, whether it’s warm or cold, soft or intense.
- List 10 things that your body does to get you through each day and thank your body out loud for each one.
It seems too easy to discount our bodies except as a way to gain acceptance, ours or another person’s.
It seems too common for people to have a conditional relationship with their physical form, only loving it “if” it’s the right shape, texture, or color.
Parents and pet owners often know what it’s like to unconditionally love a body. Most parents look at their babies and marvel at every single perfect part.
I love when my sweet dog, Bailey, sleeps upside down and her paws are akimbo in pure relaxation.
Her sense of safety makes me feel content.
I once had the thought that the way I felt about my babies is the way my own parents thought about me, most likely.
That I was perfect and adorable just the way I was, every strawberry blonde ringlet of hair on my head.
If someone could feel that way about my body – even once – it means that option is on the menu for me, too.
Over time, my relationship with my body has become so much more respectful. Loving.
Celebratory!
Oh, yes, this body of mine? A good, good habitat. The literal vehicle for my thoughts and dreams, actions and achievements.
I wish wholeheartedly for you to develop a loving relationship with your beautiful, human body.
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