Do you ever find yourself being harsh on your body? Looking in the mirror and thinking, "If only I had longer legs, was skinner, more toned,…" or constantly focusing on things you want to change? Sometimes, I say to my clients (and to be completely honest, I think this myself), if I were in a relationship with myself – which we kind of are – and my partner spoke to me the way I speak to myself, I wouldn't tolerate it for a second. Yet, we speak to ourselves so harshly and we are always listening to that toxic inner dialogue.
Often, we see our bodies as projects for constant improvement or ways to escape stress through over-exercising, dieting, or other extremes. At Mellow, we believe in celebrating our bodies for the joy and pleasure they can bring us every single day.
Embracing and Connecting to Our Bodies
Celebrating and connecting to our bodies is crucial for our overall well-being. Psychological research has shown that positive body image is linked to higher self-esteem, better mental health, and greater life satisfaction. When we learn to appreciate our bodies, we open ourselves up to a more joyful and fulfilling life.
However, this is easier said than done. We live in a culture that often conditions us to criticize and even hate our bodies. We are bombarded with images of perfection and messages that we need to change ourselves to be worthy. This constant negativity creates a toxic relationship with our bodies. Trust me, I have tried to hate myself into loving myself, and it simply doesn't work.
So, what next? What steps can we take to be kinder and more compassionate to ourselves, to cultivate and celebrate more pleasure?
Introducing the Pleasure Journal
I have to admit, when I first heard about keeping a Pleasure Journal, I was sceptical. I thought, "I've tried so many things, and they didn't work – why would this one be any different?" But to my surprise, it did work. This simple practice has been the first big step towards reconnecting with joy and pleasure in life. It sounds basic, but it can make a huge difference!
Start Your Pleasure Journal:
- Daily Entries: Each day, jot down five things that give you bodily pleasure. Maybe it’s the feel of water on your skin, the smell of coffee, or the warmth of a candle’s glow.
- Reflect Weekly: At the end of the week, look back at your entries. Notice any patterns or recurring sources of joy.
- Celebrate: Celebrate these small moments of pleasure and make a conscious effort to incorporate them into your daily routine.
Being Present in Your Body
Being present means truly living in your body and experiencing each moment fully. Engage in activities that bring you into the present, like yoga, mindfulness, or even just taking a few deep breaths. Reflect on the last time you felt fully present in your body. Was it during a walk in nature or while dancing to your favourite song? These moments are precious!
Transform Your Relationship with Your Body
As you become more aware of your body, you’ll start to see it as a source of joy and pleasure. This transformation doesn’t happen overnight, but with small, joyful steps, you can start to build a loving relationship with your physical self.
Joyful Movement
Find physical activities that you genuinely enjoy. This isn’t about burning calories; it’s about moving in ways that make you feel alive and happy. Whether it’s dancing, stretching, or swimming, let it be fun! What forms of movement make you feel the most joy? Is it a spontaneous dance party in your living room or a serene yoga session?
Playful Exploration
Explore different ways your body can experience pleasure. This could be through self-touch, discovering new textures, or engaging in playful activities like rolling in the grass or splashing in water. When was the last time you played just for the sake of it? Allow yourself to explore without any goals or expectations.
Join Us for a Joyful Self-Connection Journey
If you’re ready to take this journey to the next level, consider joining us for Embrace & Celebrate: A Joyful Self-Connection Journey in Lisbon. This fun and relaxed workshop is designed to help you appreciate your body, enjoy your senses, and feel more connected to yourself. In an intimate and supportive group, we will come together to celebrate our bodies and feelings without shame or judgment, creating a space of joy and encouragement.
Why Join This Workshop?
• Feel More Connected: Through a gentle and grounding yoga practice, you will learn to appreciate your body just as it is.
• Enjoy Your Senses: Go on a guided sensory journey that invites you to fully enjoy your senses and pleasure.
• Therapeutic Benefits: Learn how mindfulness and body awareness can reduce stress, enhance self-compassion, and promote mental clarity.
• Build Community: Enjoy light refreshments, share your experiences, and build a supportive network of like-minded individuals.
This workshop offers a wonderful opportunity to deepen your connection with your body and experience joy in a community setting.
Takeaway
Your body is a wonderful source of joy and pleasure, not just a project to improve or a means to escape stress. By noticing, being present, and exploring joyfully, you can transform your relationship with your body. Start today with small steps – find what brings you joy, and celebrate it!
