asks the first line inReclaiming Body Trust, written by Dana Sturtevant and Hilary Kinavey.
I don’t think I’m alone in that feeling.
In fact, I know I’m not.
Getty Images / Maria Korneeva
But, the rise of the body positivity movement has created a greater emphasis on self-love in societal discourse.
It’s admirable and immensely refreshing to witness.
But this made me ask myself,What happens if you don’t love your body?
Meet the Experts
Dana Sturtevantis the co-founder of the Center for Body Trust.
She is also a registered dietitian, author, and educator.
Messaging tells us we’re otherwise giving the patriarchy more power.
With this, I’ve found myself becoming ashamed about my shame.
Similar harm can be done when we use “self-love” and “body-love” interchangeably.
I believe self-love is an overarching term.
It encompasses the love we can have for the physical and non-physical aspects of ourselves.
Because of our ever-changing relationships with our bodies, it’s essential to practice a boundless self-compassion for ourselves.
Compassion isn’t conditional.
It’s not reliant on how you look that day or whether you’re proud of your achievements.
It’s simply about feeling worthy of self-acceptance.
It leaves a gentle space for you no matter what.
What Is Body Compassion?
We discussed ways to work toward a better relationship with our bodies while exercising self-compassion.
Everyone’s path is different, and that is crucial to acknowledge.
Ahead, discover six tips that can help you practice self-compassion no matter where you are in your journey.
It can lead to inescapable self-scrutiny.
But it’s important to recognize when it’s happening.
“When you want to step on the scale, what are you hoping to find out?”
“Can a piece of metal and plastic that measures your relationship to gravity tell you that?
When stepping on the scale, most people wonder if they’re okay.
I don’t think a scale can tell me if I’m okay.”
It’s an eye-opening prompt to reflect on.
Widen the Lens
This is a term Sturtevant used several times during our conversation.
Looking for a way to stop that spiral in its tracks?
“Health has become an aesthetic,” Sturtevant states.
Our work is about helping people locate the problems outside of their bodies.
Some of us have internalized the message that our bodies are a problem."
Give Yourself Some Grace
Feeling shame about your body can be an incredibly isolating experience.
Remind yourself that self-exploration and healing are not a race or a competition.
You don’t have to be anywhere except where you are right now.
Beadle ES, Cain A, Akhtar S, Lennox J, McGuire L, Troop NA.
Development and validation of the body compassion questionnaire.
Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine.
2021;9(1):951-988.
