In today’s fast-paced world filled with societal pressures and unrealistic beauty standards, it’s easy to fall into the trap of self-criticism and body shaming. But what if I told you that there is a different way to approach your relationship with your body—one that is rooted in trust, self-acceptance, and compassion?
What is Body Trust?
Body Trust is a radical concept that challenges the conventional norms around food, body image, weight, and health. It is about getting out of your head and back into your body, deepening your understanding of what stands between you and feeling at home in your skin. It involves rejecting restrictions and deprivation as paths to health and developing a kind and connected relationship with yourself and your body.
Body Trust is… (Source credit: Center for Body Trust)
- Deepening your analysis of what has come between you and feeling at home in your body
- Getting out of your head and back into your body
- Rejecting restriction and deprivation as a lifestyle or path to health
- Developing a relationship with yourself and your body that is flexible, compassionate and connected
- Letting go of rigidity and perfectionism
- Grieving the illusion of control, the dream of being thin, the big reveal, the lost time/money/energy, the harm done and more
- Turning toward your body, looking and listening with kindness and curiosity
- Stretching the outer edges of your body positivity until all bodies belong and are celebrated, including yours
- Divesting from social constructs of beauty
- Listening to your body and discerning the wisdom that comes from within
- Allowing pleasure and satisfaction to finally inform and teach you as much as what you know to be “good” or “healthy”
- Knowing that when you eat past full or don’t eat enough, your body’s hunger cues can help guide you
- Becoming more attuned to your body’s subtle and not-so-subtle cues
- Acknowledging the incredible ways your body shows up for you every day
- Moving your body in ways that feel revitalizing and connect you to sensation, pleasure, and joy
- Rooting self-care practices in weight-neutrality and trusting your body to sort out the weight
- Advocating for bodies with different access and privilege than your own
The Benefits of Embracing Body Trust
When you embrace Body Trust, you are letting go of rigidity and perfectionism. You are allowing yourself to grieve the illusions of control, the dreams of being thin, and the harm done by societal standards. By turning towards your body with kindness and curiosity, you can start to celebrate all bodies, including your own.
Taking Steps Towards Body Trust
To embark on a journey of Body Trust, it’s essential to listen to your body and discern the wisdom that comes from within. Allow pleasure and satisfaction to inform your choices, and honor your body’s hunger cues as guides. By becoming more attuned to your body’s subtle signals and acknowledging its incredible resilience, you can start to move in ways that connect you to joy and revitalization.
Conclusion
In a world that often dictates how we should look and feel about our bodies, embracing Body Trust can be a revolutionary act of self-love and empowerment. It’s about advocating for all bodies, divesting from societal constructs of beauty, and rooting self-care practices in weight-neutrality and trust. So, I invite you to explore what Body Trust means to you and take steps towards a more compassionate and accepting relationship with your body.
Remember, you are deserving of love and respect, just as you are. Embrace your body with trust and watch as it guides you towards a deeper sense of well-being and self-compassion.
Written by Ashley Breland inspired by the work of Hilary Kinavery & Dana Sturtevant
Next Steps…
If you’re intrigued by the idea of embracing Body Trust and are seeking support on your journey towards self-compassion and acceptance, I encourage you to take the next step. Book a session with one of our therapists today to explore how you can cultivate a more positive relationship with your body and yourself.
