Body Love

The scale is not my friend today. We just returned from a short few days of travel to see family and friends, and while we had an amazing time, I now feel bloated and my scale has informed me that I have added a few pounds to my frame.

The truth is that I love food. I've always had a good appetite. Nothing wrong with that, as we all need food as fuel that keeps us going. Yet, I've also come to realize that I have really deeply engrained ideas in my head that tell me food is fun, food is celebratory, and food is either 'good or bad.' In addition, without realizing it, I can quickly fall into some pretty significant self-loathing and an inner dialogue that is a whole lot less than kind and nurturing....especially when I have been busy overriding what my body actually prefers and feeding myself poorly.

For me, body image and awareness is another example of how much I need my yoga practice. I need time to slow down enough to pay attention to my inner voice, and I need to thoughtfully consider what my body might really want from me in terms of nourishment and food. I know that I feel better physically and mentally when I avoid fried foods, excess carbs, sugar, and alcohol.  Yet somehow, when I am traveling or at a social event, a not-so-tiny voice starts whining about wanting ice cream and demanding treats!  When I tune into my own awareness and allow my body to lead the way, I know that fried foods give me a bellyache and I prefer it when I don't eat enormous portions that leave me feeling stuffed and sick. Let's face it: I do not have any more fun when I am eating potato chips instead of a nice piece of summer fruit. The fun is always in our surroundings and the company we keep, not inside a candy wrapper!

I'm just sharing this in the hopes that if you are also someone who can get overly critical and nasty with yourself about your weight, looks, or other body concerns, I hope you can pause long enough to consider what you really need. If you're like me, I sometimes do need a return to a bit of discipline and limits, but I need to impose these in a way that feels supportive and in my best interest. I need to remember that I can choose to behave in ways that counteract all of the food commercials and marketing that have sold us on the idea that food equals fun. What's really fun? Feeling healthy and vibrant and able to meet the demands of the day. Having quality relationships; with myself and with others. So, for today, I'm choosing good health and treating my body with the care and attention it deserves.

Finding Clarity in the Land of Overload

Sometimes the world just feels like too much. Violence and starvation. Climate change with devastating and scary storms. Personal challenges and health concerns.  Petty arguments and an overall sense that just too many of us are simply pissed off.

How do we find our way back to a solid foundation and a sense that we are strong and capable, no matter what comes our way? I'd like to suggest several strategies for finding clarity when you feel overwhelmed and over loaded:

    Limit your tech and social media time. Kinda funny that I am suggesting this notion on social media platforms!! But it is so very necessary. Social media is designed to capture our attention, our emotions and even our outrage. While tech is an amazing tool for social connections, too often it can also be an enormous waste of our precious time and energy. Be careful how much you consume!

    Get outside. Mother nature is amazing! Studies are now being done showing the benefits of time outdoors and it's amazing ability to help us re-set our nervous system and outlook. A walk to the mailbox or around the block...whatever you can fit in will reap big benefits.

    Limit your news. We all want to be and should be well informed. In today's day and age, it takes a bit of effort to consider sources and find fact over biased and inflammatory information. Be willing to listen to other viewpoints and seek understanding and truth. Then, find something else to do! I'm old enough to remember the time before news that was available around the clock. Be informed, but not consumed.

    Find your people. This one is super important. In a world of so-called increasing connectivity via technology, we are leading more isolated lives and loneliness is being reported at extremely high levels. As humans, we are social beings. Get out there and find some 'in real life' interaction. Find your tribe and your community. A place where you feel accepted and supported, whether it is a faith-based group, a civic organization, a yoga class, or a volunteer opportunity, get yourself around some other people that you can get to know and trust.

    Finally, learn and establish some sustainable practices that help you stabilize your mood and tension levels. Of course, I have a bias that yoga practice is a fantastic way to move, bend, and breathe in ways that help us feel settled, calm and more secure in our own bodies. Meditation, positive affirmations or mantra, prayer time, journaling, and creative pursuits can all be beneficial and help us find a flow to our day. Finding something you enjoy and can stick with is important. Healthy practices help us build reserves for when times get tough and provide us skills we can access when we need them. If you're already spun out and at wits end, it's unlikely you'll decide its time for a healthy new habit. Have something that is already established to help see you through. Life is full of problems. Be prepared.

I'd love to hear your thoughts about these ideas. Leave a comment and let me know what resonates with you. We can create some positive support and ideas together. Have a peaceful and healthy day!