What do you think of your body? Do you like it? Do you wish it were different in some way? If so, it may surprise you to discover that you’re in the great majority. Most of us don’t particularly like our bodies and could produce a lengthy list of ‘faults’ quite easily. Few people conform to the physical norms put across in the media. People who can’t accept their bodies are prone to desperately low self-esteem They exhibit an above average degree of obsessive behaviours, eating disorders, self-hatred, sexual dysfunctions and many other problems. This is exacerbated by certain social and religious attitudes. Rumbling tummies, bad breath, bowel movements and breaking wind are part of our biology. Why be ashamed? When we get older our faces become lined, boobs and bellies droop, muscles sag, men lose their hair and so on. It’s bound to happen, so why worry about it? We must learn to accept our bodies with good grace and a touch of humour, to accept some of our so-called defects, and work on those which can be changed. If your confidence is affected by anything that can be improved, do it! Otherwise there’s no point in feeling sorry for yourself. “If we are embarrassed about our bodies, we should remember that kings and philosophers shit, and so do ladies. Michel Montaigne”
A Rusty Old Car?
At a recent seminar the leader referred to the body as ‘the temple of the soul, a sacred dwelling place for the spirit.’ A young man seated at the back of the hall raised his hand: ‘I’ve always thought of mine as a vehicle,’ he said. ‘It carries me through life, then goes rusty and packs up. I certainly don’t see it as a temple.’ He went on to describe the health problems he had endured for years, which showed no sign of abating.
One of the other participants, an elderly lady who looked in radiant good health, spoke up. ‘If you think of your body as a rusty old car,’ she said, ‘is it any wonder you’re always ill?’