This morning I went for a run.
The thud, thud, thud of my feet on the pavement was soothing, as it always is for me. The air carried the crispness of fall and was cool and fresh on my lungs. The sun cut through the clouds and I could feel her beautiful energy. I reminded myself to relax into my gait, to pull through with each stroke, to let my hips move freely and to hold my core strong and balanced. These things are a practice for me, like in yoga. For me, it's not about getting them right or wrong, just enjoying the practice of learning to move my body in more efficient ways. I chatted with Ivy and pointed out the trees and leaves and then laughed as she sneezed each time we faced into the sun.
I love to run so very much. It reminds me how strong I am. Some days I love to push myself a bit but most days I just love to run. At a comfortable pace, just soaking it all in and enjoying the movement.
I've heard it said that one reason triathlon is so appealing, is that it reminds us of what it is to be children. To swim, bike and run and ultimately to move our bodies as a form of fun and play. Like children do.
I feel saddened to think that many miss out on this enjoyment of their physical bodies. Particularly if they are waiting to enjoy their bodies until they have reached some magic number on the scale or a certain clothing size. Enjoy your body now. The beautiful body you have. Find something you love to do and take joy in doing it. Just as a child would.
I chose this myth because I used to buy into it at a certain level. I had an "aha" moment last year, where I realized that I was saving a certain piece of my happiness to enjoy once I had reached this hypothetical level of bodily 'perfection' that I had created in my mind. It was a turning point for me to realize that. I put a note on my mirror, which still remains, that states, "Guard you thoughts. Think only positive thoughts regarding the look and care of my physical body." It's a simple statement but it's changed so much of what goes on in my head. I have reset some of the criticisms that used to have a neurological pathway and changed them to newer, positive messages.
For those who feel the need to have a goal for the look or size of their body, can I suggest that you be careful that these goals help you to live healthier, fuller lives. If your current goal is causing you to fill up on commercially prepared diet foods and filling you with stress and deprivation, then please re-think it. A good goal should be one that helps you to improve as a person, to reach higher and deeper. To become all you can be as a beloved child of God, with so much potential. In my opinion, physical goals are much more enjoyable if they focus on what you can DO with your body, rather than what your body looks like. The positive changes to your body come as a by-product. But I understand that it's wonderful to know that your body is in a nice healthy place.
There are many different ways to measure these things but one commonly held measurement of a healthy body weight is to use a BMI chart. Here's one below.
Bodily perfection can be so loaded and so different for each person. Who gets to define that? Well, I would recommend taking control of your mind and your body by making your own definition. You can take in good information like the chart above and set aside any information that is unhelpful. You and I have the power to do that. I promise you will find greater peace and joy in this life, as you enjoy using your body to move, to explore, to be out among nature, to lift, to climb, to create (including and especially children) and all the other incredible functions that these wonderful human bodies were created by God to do. This body is a gift and we can all enjoy it. We can enjoy it TODAY.
Kim you have a gift for talking about issues that we as women feel, but struggle to express. Thank you for sharing your personal thoughts and journey with all of us. You are beautiful, inside and out, always!
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