In every lecture/performance I do I have something to say about body image. 90 percent of all women and more and more men are not comfortable with their bodies. In this culture we are especially obsessed with perfection. From seeing airbrushed images to constant articles singing the praises of anyone who loses weight to categorizing food into two groups; good and bad. All of this contributes to a collective scrutiny and dissatisfaction. These practices are so pervasive we start to think of them as normal. All it really does is create an emptiness, that if we don't fill we food, we look to consume other things like objects, alcohol, sex and drugs. Trying to fix things on the outside never lasts. It is a passing gratification. I am asked all the time about how to deal with the barrage of negativity we are hit with when it comes to body image. Here is question from my last talk and some suggestions.  

How do you get over feeling uncomfortable with your body?

Feelings are not facts but they can be just as devastating. One of the ways to shift negative feelings about your body is to make friends with your body. Focus on all the amazing things it does for you-gets you around, repels germs, allows you to do things you enjoy.  The second step is to find physical parts of your body that you like and focus on them. If you are completely uncomfortable with every part of your body then you can start a dialog with your body, ask it questions, “Why am I so uncomfortable? “ Start to write the answers.

In many situations our uncomfortably with your bodies are attached to earlier messages in life and it is possible to reprogram how we feel. The first step is finding out where the thoughts come from the second is to come up with new thoughts.

I have struggled with body image my whole life so I don’t read the magazines that will feed that disease. Look at things on the internet and TV that make me get depressed and spend as little time as possible looking in the mirror. If I am checking out an out- fit fine but if I start examine things time to leave. I just say, “Your cute” and walk away.

I know it has never improved my day to compare my body to someone elses or to criticize my body, especially when it is something I cannot change. Even if it is something I can change, like weight, calling myself names or being negative has never been a motivating factor. Being kind and focusing on what makes me feel good is much more motivating to make changes, if that is what I want to do. Having a positive body image takes practice, vigilance and a shift in attitude and perception. But it is a much easier road to take then looking in the mirror with despair.

If you have any positive suggestions that have worked for you please post them. 

LINKS:

www.bodypositive.com

www.4women.gov/bodyimage/

www.fatso.com

www.loveyourbody.nowfoundation.org/moreideas.html