What Makes You Feel Strong?

Mindful readers share how they relate to their bodies and offer some sage advice.

AdobeStock/Mary Long

Describe your relationship with your body. 

My relationship with my body has evolved over the years. I accept the changes such as wrinkles and gray hair more easily. I obsess less with the need to always “look” good and accept that I am fine at this moment. 
–Varsh D. (via email)

It makes me feel like I am home so I try to improve my conversations with my body every day. 
–Tanaya C. (via email)

I treat my body as my temple, careful to watch what I feed it, understanding that food is fuel. My body also signals using aches, pains, and sometimes inflammation when my mental health is struggling or when I am stressed.
–@sageholisticwellness

That shit is complicated.
–@healthyself.coach

What about your body do you find challenging?

I’m epileptic.
–@umbersperspective

Migraines.
–@msibrahim2020

Working on my self-esteem and letting go of fear.
–@rebuildingtracy

Weight.
–@terinaparmenter

What makes you feel strong?

My problem-solving skills.
–@littlebossvm

Movement.
–@msibrahim2020

My belief in myself!
–@everthrive

Feeling calm.
–@gratefulkev1964

The gym.
–@el_mundo_de_ruxi

What advice would you give to a friend who’s being hard on themselves?

You are loved and a gift to everyone the way you are.
–@littlebossvm

Every day is a new opportunity. Don’t beat yourself up! Celebrate the things you can do.
–@terinaparmenter

Find your wow.
–@everthrive

Go easy on yourself. Give yourself a break.
–@gratefulkev1964

I would point out all the things their body can do.
–@msibrahim2020

@betterstories.in reminds
us that we are all different,
so let’s accept one another
and grow together.
@colormehappii shares
the powerful reminder
that it’s OK to take
things at our own pace.
@mindfuljunkie (Gina
Rollo White) snapped
a selfie with her guided
meditation featured in the
December issue of Mindful!

(All responses from Instagram unless otherwise stated.)

read more

Calm

Getting Started with Mindful Movement 

Riding a bike, lifting weights, sweating it out on a treadmill—each can be a mindfulness practice. Whatever the physical activity, instead of simply working out to master a skill or improve your condition, you can move and breathe in a way that shifts you from feeling busy and distracted to feeling strong and capable. Read More 

  • Mindful Staff
  • February 7, 2023