It’s easy to find motivation and enthusiasm when we reset our subconscious programming
Body image can be a sneaky, tricky thing. On the one hand, we want to be beautiful, fit, and let’s be honest— skinnier. On the other hand, aren’t we supposed to love our body as we are, lumps and all? Isn’t it shallow to want physical beauty? Is it not more spiritual to be totally self-accepting regardless of our size?
Certainly beauty is more than skin deep. Pause for a moment and bring to mind someone you admire who is radiantly beautiful, yet on closer inspection, their beauty has nothing whatsoever to do with flawless skin, boob size, or perfect features.
Where is their beauty coming from? A cheerful disposition, perhaps? A lightness of being, a sense of humor, an easy-to-be-with attitude? Could it be self esteem, being comfortable in their own skin?— might these be the missing ingredients?
“A good attitude isn’t enough! I want to LOOK GOOD!” our inner diva shrieks. Can we have both? Yes, yes and emphatically yes!
Let’s examine our beliefs:
Thinking Error #1: “I must love and accept my fat body; it’s what’s inside that counts.”
Wrong, wrong and wrong! Being unhealthy is NOT self-love. Avoiding outdoor activities is NOT healthy.
In most cases, a defense against rejection is the culprit. The most common reason for weight gain is overeating to squash chronic low-grade anxiety or feelings of dread.
In NO WAY is accepting oneself as fat a spiritual value, yet more and more of the time, I hear would-be spiritual-types hiding behind their ‘enlightenment’ as a way to justify giving up.
What is spiritual? Self care. Loving oneself enough to participate in life. So ask yourself this: Do I love myself enough to move my body and feed it with love and respect?
Thinking Error #2: “It’s going to be hard. I’m going to feel exhausted and deprived.”
That happened in the past. But in the subconscious mind, anything is possible. The preparation of healthy foods can be the best part of our day. Exercise can be re-wired as something to look forward to. Motivation can be re-wired to feel exhilarating.
Thinking Error #3: “I have to give up carbs.”
This is a societal collective belief. So is war, for that matter. You don’t have to buy in to the popular opinions of culture. Smell, see and taste a tangerine. Carbs are meant to be eaten! If you think they cause inflammation, well, they do if you believe they do. That’s how powerful your mind is.
Overcoming chronic, low-grade anxiety is the number one weight loss and beauty miracle. When anxiety goes, we are more present, radiant and joyful. We are far more motivated to eat well and participate in life, and life truly belongs to those who participate.
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