In the previous article of this series, "Living Large
and Loving It", we looked at our experience of living "Big"
in whatever way that meant for each individual. Whether it was
in the area of following our dreams, passionately expressing
ourselves, through our body or in some area of our lives, we
all take up space in the world. How we occupy that space is what
determines the quality and, I believe, the quantity of our life.
No matter what shape or size our physical body, people are
healthier if they are happy with, and accept, who they are. Yet,
our society constantly dictates that everyone but a select few
super models should be unsatisfied, unhappy with, and un-accepting
of themselves.
How dare they? How dare we?
Prejudice. Discrimination. Ugly words that most people may
associate with racism, gender or ageism. Yet, one of the most
insidious forms of discrimination today comes in the form of
looks-ism, especially regarding weight or size.
Sadly, it is not only the "them" that are doing
it. Every time we look in the mirror and wince, every time we
make a self-deprecating comment, every time we wish we were taller,
thinner, bigger, shorter, or other than what we are, we condone
and continue the prejudice.
That prejudice is leading to an epidemic of eating disorders,
particularly in North America. We have become a society of children
who destroy their immune systems through purging, and men and
women who inflict endless violence on their bodies through harsh
dieting, constant disparagement and dangerous drugs. We would
never wish these painful states on someone we cared about, and
yet we think it is fine to do to ourselves - how can that be
good or right?
It is time to wage peace in the war on our bodies - after
all; this is the only body we have. It is the vehicle that allows
us to "be" alive! It is the tool that allows us to
work, to dance, to love, to walk, to rest, to touch, to hold
and to experience every aspect of our lives.
I invite you to consider the idea that your relationship
with yourself, and your body, is the foundation for the state
of the world today. Skeptical? You've all likely heard the old
saying, "For want of a nail, the horse was lost, for want
of the horse the rider was lost, for want of the rider the battle
was lost, for want of the battle, the war was lost. So the war
was lost for want of a nail." I have my own version:
"For want of self-acceptance, acceptance of others was
lost, for want of acceptance, connection was lost, for want of
connection, community was lost, for want of community, unity
was lost, for want of unity, the world was lost. So a peaceful
world was lost for want of self-love."
As Ghandi said, "Be the change you want to see in the
world."
How do we do that, particularly when we are conditioned to
be dissatisfied with ourselves, or at the very least, some aspect
of our physical form?
Here are a couple of starting points. You can use these questions
to gently reflect on your current relationship to your body.
What will you miss out on if you fail to love your body and
treat it as it truly deserves to be treated? What has it cost
you so far? Something I would lose if I stopped struggling with
my body is . . .
Write as fast as possible, and let as many responses come
as possible. Do you know more now about what sustains your struggle?
Do you have a better idea about what needs to change in your
thinking before you can let go of the struggle?
Our bodies hear everything we think/say about ourselves.
If your body could write you a letter about how you speak to
yourself and others about it, how you treat it, etc., what would
it say?
Dear ____________,
After hearing from your body, are you considering the need
to treat your body better?
Most people know that despite ongoing conflict in the world,
war does not lead to peace. It may lead to repression, or subjugation,
but never in history has it lead to balance and harmony. Why
should it be any different with us?
Let us live our lives as a juicy, succulent celebration of
who we are! Let us exuberantly claim our right to be! Let us
eliminate the fundamental prejudice that manifests in many forms,
which says that we are not glorious exactly as we are and that
will do more for peace in our lives, and our world, than any
other single act.
Jannette Anderson is the President of Positive Results, a
training and personal coaching company. Her courses, Living Large
and Loving It, Sexy is a State of Mind and What's My Life Purpose
and Will It Pay the Rent? are enlightening, encouraging, practical
and most of all fun! Her professional passion is helping companies
grow and her personal passion is supporting people in living
juicy, succulent lives. You can reach Jannette at 403-270-0977
or via email at positiveresults@shaw.ca.
If you would like to submit an article
on a Weight Issue - Please email Veronica at veronicahay@telus.net
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by
Jannette Anderson