Do you truly love yourself and your body? The answer may be more complicated than you imagine. We are continually bombarded with information about who we should be and how we should look. Breaking that cycle can be tough. Luckily, there’s a tool you can use.
Ready to get started? In the following guide, we will be taking a look at what body positivity is, why it matters, and a quick meditation you can engage in to give you a boost.
What is body positivity?
Body positivity is exactly what it says — it is the practice of loving and being kind to your body. The interesting movement has gained a lot of traction in recent years with advocates encouraging people to “love the skin they are in”. While at times you may have mixed feelings about your body, it is worth taking the time to offer it gratitude, love, and respect.
Why does body positivity matter?
Every single day, we receive negative messages from the media. You may believe that you need to be a certain shape, size, or even height to be considered attractive. That is not the truth. Body positivity is about relearning all that we know about our self image.
Loving yourself takes time and patience. We live in the Aquarian Age, and it can be hard to truly give ourselves the devotion that we deserve. Working on this area of your self-care routine means that you can become all that you are meant to be — both inside and out.
Benefits of this meditation
- Have compassion for your body
- Boost your confidence levels
- Gives you the strength you need
- Relaxes and rejuvenates the mind
- Alleviates your stress and anxiety
- Helps you to connect with your body
How to do this meditation
Before you get started with this simple, visualization meditation, you need to create a space in which to practice. You can put some healing music or gong sounds on in the background of the space. You may also want to place a high-quality yoga mat on the floor. When you have done all of the above, you can start to relax and follow these steps.
Step 1: Choose the right position
Select a space in which you can relax without the fear of interruption. When you are ready to get started, find a position that is comfortable for you.
You can lay on your yoga mat, sit in Easy Pose, or assume another seated position. You may choose to close your eyes for this period or keep them open.
Step 2: Start with gentle breathwork
Next up, you should start some gentle breathing. Your breathwork needs to be constant and relaxed at all times. Breathe in through the nose, and out through the mouth.
After around a minute, bring your breath back to its natural rhythm. Don’t force it — allow your breathing to settle into a normal pace that works for you. At this point, you may choose to place your hand, palm down, on your heart. Relax your body entirely.
Step 3: Visualize the strength of your body
Your body is the most precious and beautiful thing you own. However, sometimes, we can forget this.
Take a moment to envision all of the ways that you have used your body over the last few days. How has your body supported you in your everyday activities?
Reflect on the activities in which you have engaged. Consider specifically the different parts of the body you have used for each of your tasks. That may mean undertaking a sport, reading a book, or simply walking to work. Picture each of these scenes.
Continue with this visualization for around three minutes and then move onto step four.
Step 4: Offer your body some gratitude
Now that you have become aware of the ways that your body supports you, it may feel comfortable to thank each part of your body. For example, you can show gratitude to your legs for supporting you in walking or than your arms for allowing you to swim well.
Pick out around five different parts of your body and thank each of them in turn. You don’t have to say anything aloud.
You should make a mental note of each of them during your practice. Go through the process of thanking each of these parts of you.
This graduate session should take you around two minutes. When you have completed it, you may want to go through the parts once more, or move onto step five.
Step 5: Give your body some kindness
You have already thanked your body. The next step is to show it some kindness. We often internalize negative thoughts about ourselves. That is not helpful to your ongoing growth.
You are worthy of love, respect, and honesty. Let go of those negative judgements you have learned over time and mentally repeat one of these kind statements:
- “My body is the greatest gift the universe has given me”
- “I love and respect my body and all that it has given me”
- “My body supports me and I am grateful for that”
- “I love all of the ways that I can move and adapt”
- “I thank my body for the joy and pleasure it brings”
Of course, you may choose to repeat the mantra a few times. Be clear about your intentions as you do so. You should focus all of your energy and attention on your words. Take around one minute to complete this part of the body positivity meditation practice.
Step 6: Breathe and relax
When you are ready to bring the meditation to a close, the final step is to breathe and relax. Take a deep breath in through your nose, hold for a second, and release.
You need to repeat this process two times before ending the meditation. Allow your whole body to relax completely and rest for a moment. Be thankful for all your body affords you.
The Takeaway
What are you waiting for? The next time you feel insecure or uncomfortable about your body, take the time to do this meditation. It’s all about recentering your focus on how wonderful your body is. The meditative practice holds great power — as do you.
See more: What Are the Different Meditation Styles and How Can You Pick the Right One For You?
