A Body of Thought

This morning, I glanced at a copy of Seventeen Magazine and nearly fell over. Staring back at me was an article called "The Body Peace Project" that outlined tips to feel good about getting into a bathing suit this summer. The sub-headings included Stop Obsessing in the Mirror, Honor Your Body, Focus on the Fun you're going to have, and Know Your Looks Don't Define You. OMG! I sure could have used this advice when I was a senior in high school 31 years ago! While I am really encouraged that my daughter is reading material like this, I am also somewhat daunted by the work that I know I have ahead of me. And even though Dove soap is getting in on the Body Acceptance wagon, it doesn't make my job any easier. Now I "know" I'm not my body. But I have spent literally countless hours dieting, exercising and obsessing about my "flawed" physicality. And that futile lifetime of effort has left me feeling like crap. And as I write those words, I am struck by how superficial this all sounds. How did my ideas about "Lauren" get so whacked? I slip into these patterns and then momentarily catch myself. Oh, yeah. Your body is just your body. It's not you. And I don't for one minute think that this is just a female thing. I know lots of guys who look just fine but are reluctant to get into their swim trunks too. I hope, Dear Readers, that you can truly enjoy this beautiful summer no matter what size you are wearing, what you ate today, whether or not you exercised and regardless of any physical flaws you may (think you) have. I am humbled by Lisa Nichols' words quoted at page 164 of The Secret: "We often get distracted by this thing called our body and our physical being. That just holds your spirit. And your spirit is so big it fills a room. You are eternal life. You are God manifested in human form, made to perfection." Now, that's impressive. I hope you have a quiet moment to yourself today so that you can let that sink in. I'm going to take mine now. Have a great day! Lauren