I almost didn’t share this picture because I was embarrassed about my body.
Honor Your Body With Gratitude
There our bodies are each and every moment of each and every day. They are carrying us through our lives. We push them when we are busy. We rest them when we can. And we complain when they call out in pain or are unable to do what we need them to do. But like anything else in our gratitude practice, all we have to do is focus on what we appreciate in order to change what we see.
Even after I decided to write about honoring and appreciating my body, I sank into some old habits of criticism. I was ready to share this photo but then I noticed all my scars and spots and felt embarrassed. I told myself that I couldn’t share this photo that I should use a stock photo that looked better. Then I stopped myself. Yes, my legs are covered with scars and spots. And my legs are strong and sexy and function well carrying me through my life walking and running and dancing. I am so very grateful for my long and big and beautiful and scarred legs.
So it was perfect that yesterday I decided to give my body a gift. A gift of rest. I blew off my afternoon obligations and sat at the pool for a couple of hours. What an immense luxury this was. I know we can’t all do that. And usually I can’t do that either. But there is some sort of gift we can give our body to honor it, to show our appreciation. What gift will you give your body this week?
It’s also helpful to realize that this very body that we have, that’s sitting right here right now … with its aches and it pleasures … is exactly what we need to be fully human, fully awake, fully alive.
~Pema Chodron
What gift are you grateful to give to your body?
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[su_note note_color=”#e7e7e7″ text_color=”#686767″ radius=”0″] My gratitude journey started in May 2011 and continues to this day. Thank you for being a part of it! A daily gratitude practice is simple. Write down three things you are grateful for each day. Download your free GratitudeGuide. My clients focus on gratitude and learn from their successes to make the positive changes they want in their lives. You can too. Call me to set up our first meeting 505.333.9336. [/su_note]