Thank your body
When was the last time you thanked your body?
When it comes to our bodies, it’s easy to get caught up in the habit of comparing ourselves to others, especially in terms of how we look, and what we can do. We’re constantly reminded by society, advertising and social media about our shortcomings and what we’re ‘supposed’ to be, its so easy to focus on what’s ‘wrong’ with our bodies, what we can’t do and how we ‘should’ look.
While striving to be fitter, healthier and to improve our physical skills is a big part of what I do as a movement and health coach, I really want to emphasise that being able to appreciate what our bodies can do for us should always be the starting point.
When we can notice where are now, appreciate this and find the good in it, we can build a solid foundation with a positive perspective that allows a space for us to grow and improve. When we come from a place that focuses on all that is wrong and what we’re trying to get away from, our motivation becomes negative and its always easier to work towards something than it is to work away from it.
Some things to appreciate about our bodies:
- It keeps going. So far, it hasn’t given up. Our heart keeps beating and blood keeps flowing no matter what you put it through.
- It’s resilient. Sometimes we do silly things with our bodies, putting it through ridiculous workouts, eating crap food or not getting enough sleep and yet, our bodies still bounce back.
- It’s carried us through our most favourite experiences. Whether its travelling, taking part in physical events or having babies, our body carries us through all these and more.
Be mindful about what you say to yourself about your body, if our thoughts create our reality, what are the messages you’re sending to yourself?
