Lose The Weight Of A Negative Body Image

JUST FOR TODAY:  Think of an aspect of your body that you dislike the most.  Now, let go of your self-criticism, and see this feature with loving eyes.

What aspect of your body did you select?  Was it easy or difficult for you to pick something?  What judgmental words did you use to describe it?  How long have you carried this belief about your body?  What messages from the outside world have reinforced this negative belief?  Have you ever seen this aspect of your body with loving eyes?  Was it easy or difficult to shift from self-criticism to Self-love?  If someone that you care about very much came up to you and told you about an aspect of their body that they detest, what would you say to them?  Would you be able to see them with loving eyes, and share positive feedback with them about their body image?  What if they abhor the same part of their body that you dislike most about yours?  Could you share loving words with them, and take these loving words in for your Self?  What if they shared loving words with you about your body, could you take these in?  Can you see your Self with loving eyes?  Can you feel Self-love?  Yes, you can!  

Try this:  Place your hands on the aspect of your body that you selected.  Imagine that the hands upon your body are those of someone who cares about you very much.  Close your eyes and breathe into that part of your body.  As you inhale, imagine love coming into that part of your body.  As you exhale, release any criticism.  Inhale with more love.  Exhale with any loathing.  Inhale with more love, until that is all that you feel.  Open your eyes, and enjoy your day with Self-love!  

©2009 by "Dr. Dorie" McCubbrey, M.S.Ed., Ph.D. – Eating Disorder & Obesity Treatment Specialist – Denver, Colorado