TRANSFORM YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR BODY

 

Love your body - 
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio: https://www.pexels.com

Have you ever thought of your body as your buddy? Not just a vessel that carries you through life, but a true companion; one that tirelessly works behind the scenes to keep you alive, healthy, and functional? 

Well, to be honest, I used to think of my body as just a body, something impersonal and utilitarian. It existed for a purpose, sure, but it wasn’t something I saw as a being deserving my care, gratitude, or affection. In fact, for years, I just used it without thinking about its needs or even acknowledging its existence beyond what was necessary.

But that perspective began to shift after attending a workshop where I was introduced to the idea of “thanking your body.” At first, the concept seemed absurd. Thank my legs, arms, lungs, and heart? What am I, crazy? But during the workshop, we were guided through a simple practice of gratitude for our bodies, and I decided to give it a try. 

That night before bed, I awkwardly whispered my thanks to my body: my legs for carrying me, my heart for beating, my lungs for breathing. I must say, it felt so uncomfortable, even silly, but I did it anyway.

Also read: More Than Words - The Unspoken Love

The Journey Toward Awareness

Fast forward a couple of years, my journey took an unexpected turn thanks to a YouTube recommendation. I discovered Peter Levine, the founder of Somatic Experiencing, which is a therapeutic approach to trauma healing. 

Though somatic therapy wasn’t entirely new to me (I’d seen snippets about it on social media), I’d never fully delved into the research or practices. So, reading Levine’s book Walking the Tiger: Healing Trauma was eye-opening to me. From Levine, I learned that our bodies are not just passive entities. They are storage houses for our memories, wounds, scars, and even our trauma.

Trauma, it turns out, isn’t just about major life-shattering events like I used to think. Even seemingly minor occurrences from childhood can leave an imprint, rewiring the brain’s response to stress and impacting the body’s ability to function optimally. In that situation, some people can bounce back from those challenging events, while others may find their bodies stuck in a constant state of fight, flight, or freeze, leading to maladaptive physical and emotional responses.

These findings really got me thinking, contemplating, and reflecting back to everything that I experience. Have I been in that survival mode for a very long time, and not knowing about it?

Around the same time when I was reading that book, the Universe sent me another gift: a Youtube channel popped up on my screen, once again, presenting an interview with Marissa Anita, an Indonesian journalist and actress. In it, she recommended a book called The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in Healing Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk. 

For me, this incredible book expanded on Levine’s teachings, blending science and storytelling to explain how deeply our mind, brain, and body are intertwined in the process of experiencing and healing trauma. Reading these two works shifted my perspective entirely. I began to see my body as more than just a tool. I started to recognize it as my loyal, faithful buddy, my greatest ally.

Also read: Maybe This Is What You Need to Do Today

Rebuilding the Relationship

This realization changed everything. My body wasn’t just taking me places or enabling me to work. She was fighting for me, protecting me, and surviving alongside me. Despite the lack of appreciation I’d shown for years, my body had remained steadfast in her purpose to support and sustain me.

Slowly but surely, I started learning how to listen to my body. I stopped overloading her with endless to-do lists and punishing schedules. Each night before bed, I made it a habit to sincerely thank her for all that she had done. 

In the mornings, I greeted her with a smile in the mirror and a heartfelt “Good morning” just like you’d greet a cherished friend. Mel Robbins’ famous advice about giving yourself a high five in the mirror first thing in the morning finally felt natural. High-fiving my body was like high-fiving my favorite buddy, the one who’d been with me through every struggle and success.

Also read: The Shift That Changed the Way I Pursuit My Dream

What I’ve Learned

Caring for my body has now become second nature, almost like taking a friend out for a day of fun and self-care. Some days, I’ll treat her to a power walk in the fresh air or a slow morning over coffee at our favorite cafe. Another day, I’ll put on a cute dress, tie her hair with a bow, and paint our nails just for the joy of feeling good, even if there’s nowhere special to go. Other times, I’ll indulge her with a spa session, a soothing massage, or even just a quiet hour of unwinding with no agenda. 

And yes, these little gestures have strengthened our bond. When something doesn’t feel quite right, whether it’s physical discomfort or emotional overwhelm, I pause and ask my body what she needs. Sometimes she asks for rest. Other times, she asks for courage. But the point is, I’ve learned to listen.

My Buddy, My Partner

Over time, I’ve come to see my body as my accountability partner. It’s a partnership based on trust and mutual care. By listening and responding to her signals, I’ve started to build a harmonious relationship. It’s no longer about control, punishment, or neglect. It’s about collaboration. My body is more than just a means to an end. She is my buddy, my partner, my ally in navigating life.

So now, I encourage you to take a moment and connect with your own body. It might feel awkward at first (it certainly did for me). But start small. Thank your feet for carrying you. Thank your heart for pumping blood. Thank your lungs for their rhythm. Over time, this simple practice might transform the way you see yourself. After all, your body isn’t just a body. Your body is your buddy. And it deserves to be celebrated.