Issue: 3

February 2, 2010

Dear Subscriber,

Body Image and the Art of Self-Love

Feature Article

Famed psychologist Carl Jung once said, "The most terrifying thing is to accept oneself completely." This can be true about any aspect of the self, but these days it may be especially true of the physical self. It seems like most of us are in a constant state of battle with our own bodies, endlessly wishing it were thinner, shorter, taller, stronger, or simply more beautiful.

Women are especially vulnerable to the ravages of bodily self-loathing, as our media projects an image of feminine beauty that is practically impossible to attain. The results of this obsession are well known, resulting in depression and eating disorders in many girls and women. Yet, it is quickly becoming a masculine issue as well, as more and more men and boys report feeling dissatisfaction with their bodies. Forty-five percent of men now report that they are unhappy with their bodies, compared to only 15% of men twenty-five years ago.

It is important to overcome negative body image, since it can easily undermine your self-confidence in life and your ability to achieve self-love and self-acceptance. Self-love is indeed very important, a necessary prerequisite for love of others, as well. Fortunately, you can easily train your brain to be more positive about your body, even with its many imperfections.

You can begin to transform negative body image through simple gratitude. Most of us tend to focus on imperfections, even though the workings of the human body are quite miraculous. If you find yourself unhappy with some aspect of your body, try to remember how hard your body works for you every day. Even while you curse the shape of your nose or those fifteen extra pounds around your middle, your body goes on working for you, getting you to where you need to go, providing immunity against potential illnesses, and healing the imbalances caused by daily habit. In many ways, your body is a model of unconditional love, always serving you whether you love it or not. Doesn't it deserve the same in return?

One simple, but powerful exercise is to write a thank-you letter to your body. Spend a few minutes and write a "Dear Body" letter, thanking it for all the wonderful things it has done for you in this life. You can even thank it for the things it will do in the future, since it will be the vehicle through which you will achieve your personal visions for life, including spiritual growth and contentment.

Article Headline

Ilchi Inspiration

All too often, we are our own worst enemies. How many of us have found we could not achieve a goal, simply because we talked ourselves out of it? When you feel discouraged, do you criticize yourself and say "I can't do it," or "I'm not good enough," or "I don't deserve to succeed"?

Unfortunately, the way we talk to ourselves and how we treat ourselves makes a huge difference in how our life unfolds. When we belittle ourselves, we inadvertently send a message to others--and to the universe--that we don't expect to be treated well. Perhaps we don't think we deserve love, respect, kindness, or happiness.

When we are self-accepting and self-loving, we have a belief in our abilities and hope in the world around us. We are naturally optimistic and self-assured, and this positive energy radiates outward, influencing everything we do. Good things naturally come our way and we are naturally good to others.

In a society where we are often hit with a barrage of negative and critical messages throughout the day from the media, in the workplace, or even from well-meaning friends or relatives, self-acceptance and self-love must be nurtured from within.

So, how do we do this? Begin each morning with an honest compliment to yourself! Praise yourself for your strengths and express gratitude for them. Put your hands on your chest and tell yourself, "I love you." Acknowledge that you are a special and unique being in the universe, with gifts that only you can share.

When you make a mistake, remind yourself that no one is perfect. Try again, set a new goal, take action, and do better. Learn to speak up for yourself and express your true thoughts, opening your heart to others. Do at least one thing every day that you enjoy to nurture your body, mind and soul. Most of all, treat yourself as you would a best friend or lover, with compassion, kindness, and forgiveness.

You do not need to look outside yourself for love or acceptance. You have a bank of it within. In the moment that you truly accept yourself, you become the master of your life and are able to make a great contribution to the world.

Give the Gift of Love:  Home Healing Massage

Editor's Pick

"Essentially, Hwal-gong is an act of giving love," explains the first chapter of Home Healing Massage: Hwal-gong for Everyday Wellness by the Institute of Human Technology. "Stroking, tapping, and touching painful areas of our body are instinctive ways we heal and love ourselves." It's natural to extend this instinct to others, and human contact brings people closer together. By helping loved ones relax and heal their bodies with massage, you will improve your interpersonal relationships. The love that flows through you as you give Hwal-gong will not only help someone else feel loved and beautiful, it will make you feel loved and beautiful as well. Through giving and receiving massage, you will come to accept and love your body.

BEST Life Media publishes books, CDs, DVDs, and other products that are educational and life enhancing, and designed to support your personal growth and enrichment. Visit us at:

www.bestlifemedia.com