Do you love your body? If you don't perhaps you're looking at too big a picture. Or maybe you're one of the blessed who doesn't give their body an iota of negative thought; but could you appreciate it a little more? We all could. We have so many ignored parts that could use our loving attention.
When you look at a landscape photo. At first glance you may think "nice" or "beautiful" but your mind doesn't really comprehend all it sees within the photo. Upon closer inspection you notice the meandering river hidden by the park, the old church in the background and playground in the foreground. Little things that help you appreciate the large image even more.There must be something you like about yourself. Without looking in a mirror focus on one area for a few minutes, break it down into smaller parts (like graph paper). Take note of the texture under different lighting. Sunlight. Overcast. Fluorescent. Notice the difference light makes. Observe shadows. Touch it. Now close your eyes and visualize it in your mind's eye.
Smile while you're doing this. No grimacing. Erase any thoughts from your mind. Enjoy the image in your head. Take in a deep breath and blow it out slowly (don't raise your shoulders). Open your eyes and give the area a gentle love pat.
Now pick your next favourite area and go through the same process. Spend the next month going over each area until you have gone through each section of your body picture.
You'll have a better appreciation for the "whole you" once you've looked at the pieces of you.
If you still can't find a likeable section then break your sections into smaller segments and stop being so critical. You're beautiful. Appreciate every inch separately until you can look at the picture in the mirror and appreciate the landscape.
Don't have time? Nonsense. Sitting, standing, lying; it can be done anywhere. Break it down over the day or week or month. Whenever it comes to mind. It can be done at home in the shower, after your shower, sitting at the table, on the bus, stalled in traffic, lying in bed waiting to fall asleep or while you're sitting on the toilet doing your business. You pick the time. Don't leave any snapshot unexamined. When you've done the easy parts grab a mirror and move on to the unseen parts.
You can learn to appreciate the landscape of your body with little effort and a patient and open attitude. One piece at a time. When you're able to do this, the rest will follow.
