“Health is the result of relinquishing all attempts to use the body lovelessly”
Short and sweet, this quote from Marianne Williamson's book "A Return to Love" perfectly encapsulates the secret of vibrant health: the most powerful and lasting way to create a body you enjoy living in is to stop poisoning it and treat it only with love.
To chose food & drinks, movement & rest, clothes & body care products not to fix something that is broken but to care for it.
To change your internal dialogue from one of judgement and criticism ("I'm so . . weak, broken, fat, stupid, ugly . . .") to one of support ("I'm doing the best I can and I'm making progress all the time. I love my body.")
To change from viewing the body as an adversary or as a soldier in training, needing to prove it's worth before gaining your acceptance, ("I'll love my body when. . ." or "I love my body, except . . .") to cultivating a deep loving partnership (after all, you'll be side by side for life).
It sounds too simple, too new age, but ask yourself, if your goal was to truly love your body the way you love your child, best friend or partner, what behaviors would you need to change?
What would you do differently if your wellness goal was to eat, move, rest, care for and speak to your in body in loving ways?
How would even "healthy" habits like working out change if your intention was to treat your body with love and respect instead of beating it into submission?
What habits would you give up?
I've posted some of the ways I'm building a more loving relationship with my body below in the comments. I'd love to hear your thoughts, your story and the little ways you cultivate love for yourself and your body. Let's inspire and support each other!