I am currently reading Gabby Bernstein's new book, May Cause Miracles. Its a lovely and modern take on how to incorporate the lessons from A Course In Miracles in our everyday lives. It is a 40-day program which gives you a structure on how to live a miraculous life: one that is lived from our inner spirit rather than our ego. What attracted me to this book was how simple the program is. There is a morning and evening exercise each day so it seemed like a very easy program to put into my schedule! Each week focuses on a different life-theme. I ended Week 3 on Sunday which focused on body image. When I read that there was a body image week, I was very interested. Personally, I have suffered through quite a bit of disordered thinking, eating and exercising all resorting from a negative body image. And I am sure you have too-in some way (or perhaps you make your own body out to be better than others). I have come a very long way in this area. I am much more relaxed and forgiving, but I still deal with it. What I was reminded of last week while reading was how much negative mental energy goes right to our bodies without us even knowing. Another person walks down the street and we compare ourselves, we take a look in the mirror and our ego judges every inch. Honestly, it is exhausting. And what would happen if that energy were replaced with positive energy?
The affirmation that was repeated throughout last week was "I accept the true function of my body. I accept that I am a messenger for love." What a beautiful reminder. I have always taken great care of myself physically. It is something that I am very passionate about: my food choices, wellness, exercise. But what was it that started this passion so long ago? Was it to change how I look on the outside? And what is my main drive now? What I got from last week is that my body is simply a vessel. A vessel that is physically capable of carrying me around, serving me and the things I want to accomplish in my life. Coming from this perspective changes how I look at my self care. Rather than "I need to exercise to stay in shape because thats what I need to do" its more like "I have purpose in my life and I must take care of this vessel that is going to help me fulfill it." Quite a powerful shift. I invite you to take a look at what is at the source of your self care, whatever it may be. Let me know, what is the true function of your body?
And next time you catch yourself judging in the mirror, take a deep breath and sing a song or do something that will move your mind on to something else. I'll do it too..
Samantha Abrams is the co-creator and co-owner of Emmy's Organics. She has devoted herself for the past 10 years to wellness in every form of the word. She is still very much on a learning journey! In the past few years, she has jumped into the role of small business owner where she is committed to creating healthy food options for people all over the world as well as maintaining a high functioning organization that is both socially and environmentally conscious. Her 2013 goals are to run a 10K, to take 1-2 ballet classes per week and to set aside a little more time for rest and relaxation.
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