There’s No Body Like Your Body

It’s November. That means we’ve officially entered the season of difficult questions like, “Should I have that extra slice of sweet potato pie?” Or “Does vanilla ice cream and pound cake count as a balanced breakfast?”

Have you noticed changes in your body since the pandemic began? I’m definitely sporting a few extra pounds and feeling a little more sluggish these days myself. And with food-centered holidays coming it may be even more challenging to maintain a healthy weight or exercise routine. Regardless of the numbers on the scale or how out of shape we may feel, the fact that we’re living and breathing in this moment means we have a reason to give thanks to and for our bodies.

Consider the power and vitality of the human body. It’s able to convert food into energy, turn sunlight into nourishing vitamin D, and can repair itself while we sleep. Now, our bodies may not always function, feel or look the way we’d like. Being at peace with the skin we’re in can be tough. Sometimes we bear frustration or shame around our bodies, so the idea of gratitude may not come easily. But when it boils down to it, our bodies are doing the best they can to keep us alive. And every body has a story of how it’s helping us survive probably one of the most challenging seasons of our lives. That’s something to be thankful for.

If you find yourself a little down about your body, see if you can instead extend it a bit of grace. Try going for a brisk walk, taking a soothing bath or even splurging on a little extra pampering. Dance around the house, take a short bike ride or do something else that helps you feel vibrant. Sit still long enough to feel your heart beat. Let every beat remind you that your body is a unique and special gift, one that's working hard every day to make the life you live possible. Give thanks!

Looking for more? Here’s a great meditation I wrote on gratitude for the body for the Healthy Minds App. Enjoy!

CLICK HERE to listen