Feel Better Today
My Body Let Me Enjoy These Kittens Today!
If your body does not feel good physically, it is HARD to focus on the positive. The pain or discomfort rather takes a front seat for attention. While we are feeling well, it is so much easier to notice what is good.
This illustrates how significant and important our bodies are. Without a feeling of health and physical well-being, it becomes difficult to function optimally.
You Can Feel A Little Better
While this is the case, I would like to offer a suggestion that may help you feel somewhat better. I am going to ask you to take your attention off what doesn’t feel good and place it on what your body is doing right.
Now, I realize this may require quite an effort, especially at first. Focusing on what isn’t working becomes a habit. It is easy to understand why this might be the case if you are in pain or uncomfortable. You also may have become habitual in your negativity toward your body even if you feel well physically.
I grant that it can be hard to pull your attention in another direction. Habits can be changed, though, with some practice. And this is what we shall do – practice. Here are 3 things you can do today to feel better. You can do these 3 things you can do if you’re body is not feeling great or if you just aren’t liking your body.
Focus on 3 Things Your Body is Doing Right – And Appreciate Them
I will give you a few examples and you may create your own list. I suggest you write it down, but if you would like, you may simply say these things to yourself. Do this daily until it becomes a habit.
Examples –
Wow, you helped me walk around today. I cannot imagine not being able to walk. I am so grateful that you do this for me. Thank you. (If you cannot walk, substitute another thing your body has enabled you to do).
It is amazing to have sight so that I can see to do everything that I do. Wow, it is remarkable to have sight and I have seen some beautiful things today. Thank you body. Think of specific things that you saw and enjoyed today.
I have been able to talk today. I have my voice. Because of this, I was able to have a wonderful conversation with a loved one or acquaintance. Thank you.
Make your own list of what you appreciate that your body did for you today!
Generate An Emotion
As you perform the above exercise, try to generate a feeling of appreciation. As I discuss in my Fall In Love With Your Body e-book, in order to derive benefit from an affirmation, it is important to generate a good feeling. A thought without emotion is not in itself powerful enough to produce change.
While this exercise may seem simple – and it is – do not underestimate the benefit. If you practice this daily, you may find it improves how you feel and your body may function just a little bit better. We all thrive on appreciation and your body is no exception!
I look forward to hearing your comments and about your experiences when you do this exercise.
In the meantime, be well, and remember to LOVE your body now!
Photo Credit: McCall Cover, Joan Caulfield by George Eastman House
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Hey Lauren,
I really appreciate that you include the body on your relationships site. Through circus acrobatics, I have found an outlet to express my love and amazement at what my body is capable of.
Doing your exercise helped center me and remind me even more of what amazing things my body does. It also reminded me of how after meditating, I always find myself astonished at the natural beauty that surrounds us and is in within us. Although the words sound trite when I type them out, there’s a definite feeling of appreciation that comes from taking a moment to appreciate what we take for granted.
Thank you Lauren,
Ben
Ben Weston´s last blog ..Is 40 Degrees Warm or Cold?
Hi Lauren,
Wow, here I was again starting my morning with enhanced well-being just from reading your words. Then I did the exercise and it got even better!
I’m going to see an ortho surgeon for an issue with my hip joints. I hesitate to even mention the pain that comes with it because I feel like I don’t want to give it any additional power!
I very rarely mention my situation and just soldier on with a smile. So it felt like a warm hug to know how much you understand.
If I didn’t have a dog, I wouldn’t push myself to get out walking often enough. So after our wonderful walks to the lake or beach, I thank Stevie out loud when we get home. I say, “Thank you SO MUCH for taking me for a walk on this awesome day!”
From now on I’ll definitely remember to thank my body too!
Thank you Lauren
Dear Ben,
You’ve been in my thoughts! It’s great that you’ve been able to utilize your body so well. (Did I mention to you that Jerry Hicks of the Abraham-Hicks used to perform in circuses and he loved it too?)
Your words don’t sound trite to me when you mention how meditation opens us to the realization – on a bodily-felt level – to the beauty surrounding us and within us. It is such an inspiring experience and that connection to life and love is to me what makes life remarkable.
When I reflect upon the fact that we are in this universe, walking around on this planet in these bodies with the opportunity for LIFE I am awestruck.
Thanks for your knowing and sharing your experiences.
Have a great weekend!
Lauren
Lauren´s last blog ..My God Dances
Dear Lisa Marie,
Your story touched my heart. My tendency too would be to remain silent on such matters. But support is important! I’m so happy to hear my post made your day a little better.
Animals are a great gift! I learned so much from my doggy Bacchus and they give so much. Glad to hear you have a canine friend and that you go for walks together.
It’s nice to see you again, Lisa Marie.
Lauren´s last blog ..My God Dances
Hey Lauren!
I completely agree with Ben that it is great that you are discussing the body here. In general, people seem to have a pretty negative view of their bodies.
I know it is essential for me to exercise (usually six days per week). Fortunately, it has been a habit for pretty much most of my life whether that was playing sports when I was younger or going to the gym/running outside now.
As a result of exercising, I find that I’m much happier, much more positive, and much more productive with work. My entire life is just so much better with it. Exercise and meditation have pretty much become essential for me.
I really like the examples you provided about appreciating your body. They are a wonderful reminder to me. I’m grateful that I have fingers that can type this and eyes that can see the screen.
Greg Blencoe´s last blog ..How to get your ideal boyfriend/girlfriend
Hi Greg,
It’s great that you have stayed with exercise consistently for so long! And I like that you add the importance of meditation as well. Sounds like you have a pretty balanced life.
I’m glad too that you have fingers that can type and eyes that can see! Always a good thing!
Lauren´s last blog ..My God Dances
Lauren, I think a lot of us need to read this post. It was definitely timely for me. The attiude of appreciation can create miracles. Thank you!
Lauren, that’s great advice.
Most of us have something we are not happy with and concentrate on that. Human nature I guess.
Easy to find three positive things, but why stop at three?
Lots and lots of my bits and pieces are pretty good… for a man of my age. LOL
I keep pretty fit, watch what I eat and do some weight lifting to tone up a bit.
All in all, can’t grumble.
Keith Davis´s last blog ..Flying in formation
Hi Lana,
Nice to see you. I’m glad to hear the timing was good for you. I do believe appreciation can cause miracles. I wrote about that in my post Are You Ready For A Magical Fun-Filled Infusion? My experience with appreciation has been profound and a real learning experience.
I’m especially excited applying it to loving our bodies more. I see so many women suffering over their bodies. I believe it can be very helpful when dealing with illness as well.
Have a great Sunday and be well!
Lauren
Lauren´s last blog ..My God Dances
Hi Keith,
Welcome!
I love your perspective – WHY STOP AT THREE? I am with you!
Sounds like you take very good care of yourself. It certainly helps long-term, does it not?
Glad to hear you’re moving along in the groove and holding up rather well at that!
Rock on!
Lauren
Lauren´s last blog ..My God Dances
Appreciate, appreciate appreciate! I agree absolutely. I make it a daily habit to give 3 appreciations. One for the future (appreciating what will be and how it feels to have it), one for the present (beautiful day etc.) and one for something I take for granted (wow! running water!). In the same vein it so easy to take our health and our bodies for granted.
rob white´s last blog ..The Big Three: Being, Doing & Having
Rob,
I love this so much I wrote it down so I can practice this as well – it’s great!
Hope you had a great weekend in Boston!
So nice to see you here.
Lauren
Lauren´s last blog ..My God Dances
Thank you for such a delightful reminder of what an amazing thing my body is . And how you can be thankful on a moment to momment basis of the senses that you can exerience. I am particularly thankful for the reminder that I am able to type this response to you , can see what i am typing and he joyful feeling that is starting to well up inside me doing this. I am grateful to you for this
Bye for Now
Cheryl
Cheryl Paris´s last blog ..Don’t Be Sorry: Boost Your Attitude to Success
Hey Cheryl,
I’m am so glad you visited and that you took a few moments to appreciate your remarkable body! You go girl!
Thanks for visiting and have a great week!
Warm regards,
Lauren
Dr. Lauren Sierra Thomas´s last blog ..My God Dances
Just what I needed to read to feel the love! I woke up from an unplanned nap feeling refreshed but guilty that I didn’t get to tuck my son in to bed (thanks to reliable daddy, no harm done). I’ve been running myself ragged lately and reading this made me feel so appreciative of my physical self. Thank you!
Hi lovey,
Yes, I hear you! I’ve been a bit overloaded myself and I really got it that I need to take some down time to relax and replenish myself. Like, hello, the beach is right out my front door. A walk on it is ever so lovely.
I used to joke that I had relaxation down to an “art form”. I love hanging out, especially in the tropics or at the beach. Starting a new endeavor in addition to a full-time and part-time jobs has translated in 15+ hour days sometimes but what drives me is passion for what I am doing and I love it.
Still – balance! I imagine having a little one keeps you tremendously busy in addition to the wonderful things you are doing!
Have a relaxed day!
Lauren
Lauren´s last blog ..My God Dances
hi lauren,
how are you?
i’ve got a lot of catching up to do lol!! the last 5 days have been hectic…
anyway, thanks for sharing this article and it brought back a few memories.
i always remember my mum and dad looking for shoes, trainers, a pair of jeans or trousers for me because i have big feet(it’s not that big(size 13) compared to others now) and I was tall(not any more, i’ve stopped growing at 6″2 although i wish i could add a few inches more laugh!!!)
It was a struggle but i began to appreciate who/ how i was and that helped me in carrying myself with pride.
A few years later everyone i knew, wanted to become taller because the girls around them wanted tall guys. You bet that made me feel more secure and add a limp or shuffle to my walk.
Now as much as possible i try to keep the gut as small as possible, going to the gym, walking for at least an hour everyday and drinking lots of water.
You feel wonderful taking care of and appreciating your body.
enjoy the rest of the day
ayo´s last blog ..40 Benefits Of Happiness
Your comments brought a huge smile to my face – especially the limp or shuffle part.
It really is all perspective is it not? One day you feel you don’t fit in and then suddenly what you are is popular. It’s great to find that satisfaction in our bodies by going within.
Sounds like you take very good care of yourself – and I think you feed your inner life as well!
Warm regards,
Lauren
Lauren´s last blog ..My God Dances