CLEARING THE CONFUSION ABOUT YOUR BODY
When you stand naked in front of a mirror, do you have a hard
time agreeing with the Bible when it says, "you are beautifully
and wonderfully made?" Do you live with a certain level of
dissatisfaction with your body?
Studies show that there is little connection between how
attractive people are and how attractive they feel they are, and
too often people tend to over-exaggerate their flaws. While we
know that "what's on the inside" is what really counts, to ignore
the outer wrapping is self-deceiving. We do not have bodies, we
are bodies.
What you can do:
- Keep your flaws in perspective. Refuse to get obsessed with
your flaws (your fat thighs, or pointy nose). The trick is to
change your body or to accept it as it is. For example, you
can't do anything about your height, so put the matter out of
your mind. But if exercise will help a weight problem or
braces correct crooked teeth, start right away. Keep in mind
that when people are obsessed with their looks, even
corrective surgery cannot enhance self-image.
- Avoid needless comparisons. We are constantly comparing
ourselves with those being admired or criticized. Some people
compare themselves with sleek, slim super models and feel
miserable, while others might be overweight and compare
themselves with someone even heavier to make them feel
better. Neither case is healthy. The truth is that our bodies
have worth and are made by God, and were made to be used
wisely. Whether they look impressive or not is much less
important than what we do with them.
- Cultivate your senses. The imperfections with which you were
born are inconsequential compared to the good things your
body can do for you. Pay attention to the constant sensations
that come to you through your senses: the feeling of the sun
on your face, the rich smells of a winter day, or the bright
sights and sounds that surround you each moment.
- Use your body to give love. Touching, from a warm embrace to
sexual intercourse, is about communication - showing that you
value the other person. Hugs among friends are always
welcome.
- Keep your body finely tuned. Good eating habits and regular
exercise go a long way toward raising self-confidence and
maintaining a positive outlook on life.
- Age gracefully. From the moment we are born, we start to age.
At some point along the way people decide that it's no longer
cute to get older. With age comes deterioration of the body -
but not a devaluation of the person. Older people have value,
have feelings, and have the need for touching and physical
affirmation. Remember, when you see an older person become
more frail or feeble that you too will share that experience
in life.
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