A relationship can be defined as the way in which two or more concepts, objects, or people are connected, or as the state of being connected.
When discussing body image and body Image healing, it is very helpful to think of your relationship with your body as just that- a relationship. Our relationship with our body is similar to other relationships in our lives, like our relationships with our significant others, our friends, and other acquaintances.
Read MoreHave you ever heard the phrase “bloom where you’re planted?” I have sometimes wondered, what does that really mean? I suppose the meaning changes when you actually know where you’re planted. For example…
Read MoreOn a scale of 1 to 2020, how much negativity are you facing today? When it comes to the struggle, I’m sure I don’t have to tell you how real it is. I am writing this in late September 2020, the gift that keeps on giving. (Or rather, taking.) On the one hand…
Read MoreWhen the idea of body image work feels too overwhelming, start with self-compassion towards oneself around the suffering of body image distress.
Kristin Neff, a self-compassion researcher, author, and Associate Professor, describes self-compassion as having three different components.
self kindness vs self judgement
common humanity versus isolation
mindfulness vs. over-identification
Self- Kindness is a very active stance and practice of soothing and taking care of one's suffering while self-judgment may look like judging and criticizing the suffering.
Common humanity is framing one’s experience as part of a larger human experience while isolation is isolating oneself and the experience.
Mindfulness allows us to notice our suffering and to be with the suffering as it is and be with it to then be able to give ourselves the caring and compassion we need.
Read MoreBody checking is done to attempt to feel better about one’s body, more specifically about the parts one may wish were different. The belief is that body checking will provide us with some relief and help in decreasing the anxiety or worry we are feeling. However, body checking does the opposite and keeps you stuck in your eating disorder and/or body hatred.
Read MoreThat is something that I would go back and tell myself a couple years ago when first starting recovery. With diet culture being as pervasive as it is, the message that our bodies are in constant need of fixing is creating a collective distrust among the inherent wisdom we hold. Trusting our bodies has become an abstract and strange concept.
Read MoreGoing from body hate to body acceptance is tough. It can seem nearly impossible. So where do we start if these concepts feel so far out off reach and accepting our body feels so far away? Start by practicing body gratitude.
Read More
