Treat your body like a beloved pet and watch shame fade
Imagine your body as a loyal pet that has served you without complaint for years. It carries you, repairs you, and asks for simple care. When you treat it with affection instead of scolding, shame starts to loosen. Begin with a tiny daily puja—a respectful ritual of care—and practice praising function instead of attacking form.
In the shower, notice the temperature and how the water feels on your shoulders. Say, “Thank you, body,” once. That’s it. A micro‑anecdote: someone I coached placed their palm on their chest after toweling off and said, “Thanks for getting me through today.” It took five seconds. I might be wrong, but the posture of respect seemed to change how they ate breakfast afterward.
When a critical thought pops up—about your stomach, skin, or shape—switch to function. “These legs walked me to the bus.” “These hands hold my morning mug.” Before eating, ask two questions: what does my body need, and what does my mind want? Meet the body first with water and something steady, then choose the want with awareness. Add one compassionate boundary that protects your body’s rest or focus, and keep it for a week.
Psychologically, this shifts your relationship from self‑objectification to self‑compassion. Interoceptive awareness—listening to body signals—improves regulation. Separating body needs from mind wants reduces guilt and binges because you’re not fighting yourself. Over time, a five‑minute puja turns your body from a project to fix into a partner to care for.
In your next shower or face wash, slow down for five seconds and say, “Thank you, body,” while noticing how the water feels on your skin. When criticism shows up, name one function you appreciate—legs for carrying you, hands for holding a warm mug. Before meals, ask what your body needs and meet that first, then choose what your mind wants with awareness. Set one compassionate boundary like no screens in bed for seven days and keep it. Keep the ritual small and steady, and see how your mood shifts.
What You'll Achieve
Reduce body shame and increase respectful self‑care. Externally, better sleep or steadier meals; internally, warmer self‑talk and less guilt around food and rest.
Do a five-minute body puja
Offer daily care with respect
During a shower or face wash, slow down, notice the water temperature on your skin, and say, “Thank you, body,” once. This ritual builds appreciation.
Swap body shaming for function praising
When a critical thought appears, name one function you appreciate: legs for carrying you, hands for holding a mug, lungs for steady breath.
Separate body needs from mind wants
Before eating, ask, “What does my body need?” versus “What does my mind want?” Meet the body’s need first, then choose with awareness.
Set a compassionate boundary
Decide one line you’ll hold to protect your body, like “No screens in bed,” or “Stop work at 9 pm,” and keep it for seven days.
Reflection Questions
- What tone do I use with my body most days?
- Which function of my body do I forget to appreciate?
- What does my body need more often—water, rest, or movement?
- Which single boundary would most improve my body’s day?
- How will I keep this ritual at five minutes so I actually do it?
Personalization Tips
- In the gym, thank your knees before squats and adjust depth to comfort instead of chasing numbers.
- At bedtime, swap scrolling for a warm shower and slow lotion as your five‑minute puja.
- During meals, serve a glass of water and protein first for body need, then add the treat mind wants.
The Mastery of Love: A Practical Guide to the Art of Relationship: A Toltec Wisdom Book
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