It’s also helpful to realize that this very body that we have, that’s sitting right here right now – with its aches and its pleasures – is exactly what we need to be fully human, fully awake, fully alive.

~ PEMA CHODRON

Practicing the lesson – post your answers below!

When your mind proposes an action that you believe may be abusive, close your eyes for a moment, take a deep breath to center yourself and ask your body; “What would be nurturing for you right now?” On a sheet of paper or your online journal, make a list of all the ways you have mistreated and abused your body.

1. Forgive yourself for each act of abuse and then, cross that item off the list.
2. When you notice yourself being abusive, forgive yourself in the moment and make a new choice that is respectful.

Make a list of ways to care for your body. Your list may include things you are currently doing as well as actions you want to begin doing. Some of ours are:

1. Walking outside for 30 – 50 minutes five times per week.
2. Eating healthy and nutritious food.
3. Juicing.
4. Enjoying a hot shave.
5. Taking a bubble bath.
6. Having a massage.
7. Consciously checking-in with our bodies while we are eating to know when we have had enough.
8. Actually sitting down and eating rather than stuffing food into us on the run.
9. Turning the phone and TV off during meals with our family and friends.
10. Keeping up with your doctor visits.
11. Having one’s diet evaluated.

When you have finished your list, randomly write the statements in your calendar so when you open it, you will be reminded of an action that supports your commitment to your body.

In addition, take a few moments to make a list of things you do not like about the way your body functions. Realize that you can either be in resistance to those processes or surrender to them and be at peace (by this I mean passing gas, burping, defecating). It is your choice!

When you notice yourself having shameful thoughts about your body’s natural processes, forgive yourself in the moment for judging the perfection of the physical creation that is you.

Today’s Affirmation

I forgive myself for abusing my body in my thoughts and actions.
I commit to easily nurturing and lovingly caring for my body.

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