“Know, first, who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly.” ~Epictetus
Loving-kindness is an innate capacity we all possess for tenderness, compassion, and connection to ourselves and others. Practicing loving-kindness, first toward ourselves and then toward others, is an important step to enhancing self care and letting go of body hatred.
Loving-kindness moves us away from shame and [private_membership circle] despair-induced blasts of criticism, “shoulds,” and demoralizing dieting efforts. Starting where we are, with the nonjudgmental concern of loving-kindness, we offer ourselves care that is sustainable.
Loving-kindness is tuning into, accepting, and responding to our basic needs. It is feeding ourselves in an attuned way, based on hunger and fullness signals. It is honoring our food preferences and choosing foods we enjoy. And it is responding with curiosity and compassion when we notice that we are eating past comfortable fullness.
Loving-kindness is resting when we need to rest and playing when we need to play. It is making and keeping our doctors appointments, replenishing our groceries, wearing comfortable clothes, doing the laundry, and taking a deep breath.
Loving-kindness is appreciating and respecting our differences. In caring for ourselves and others with an open heart, our shared suffering becomes tolerable, and our joy is multiplied.
Tip: This week, go through your underpants drawer. Toss out those “shrunken” underpants. Let go of any underpants that are uncomfortable. With loving-kindness, buy yourself some underpants that fit.
Affirming statement: “I care for myself and my body with loving-kindness.”
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Nutrition therapists Amy Tuttle, RD, LCSW and Karin Kratina, RD, PhD provide no-diet articles and resources including “Stay Attuned: The E-zine for Nourishing Connections” at their Nourishing Connections website, http://www.nourishingconnections.com/
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