Acceptance and Care as Our Bodies Change
Over time our bodies change, adapt, and evolve with each new season of our lives. I find it ironic, that in a world where change is often celebrated (like a new job, moving to a new home, or building a family), however we often fear or reject change when our bodies change. Our bodies change for a myriad of reasons: pregnancy, aging, illness, lifestyle adjustments, stress, and trauma. Sometimes when we reflect on how our bodies have changed, we may fall into self loathing or criticism. My hope is to provide another healing pathway to accept and care for your body and self as it moves through change.
With every transition, there is a loss. Give yourself permission to grieve. Grief is often intermittent; it flows in and out like a wave. It takes time to adapt to our new bodies and our new abilities. Grief is a natural response to loss. Whatever it is that you are feeling about your body changing; fear, sadness, anger, let yourself feel it. When we try to talk ourselves out of feeling discomfort or pain, that emotion will become more potent.
Often when we are caught off guard by change, it takes time to unpack why the change feels difficult or painful. Taking a moment to observe and investigate the pain often gives us more information about what we are experiencing.
During the pandemic my soul friend was diagnosed with epilepsy. She had to grapple with her loss of independence, her inability to control her body’s responses or triggers, and new medications that altered her body’s energy levels. In this diagnosis, her ability status shifted. With each of these monumental changes, my strong friend had to lovingly adjust to her new circumstances. Through her cultivation of self-compassion, permission to allow herself to grieve, and connecting with her community and partner, she resiliently has come into more acceptance of her disability and empowerment in her body.
My soul friend inspires me. If you are struggling with your own acceptance of how your body or ability has shifted through this pandemic, please lean into your supportive community and offer yourself some gentleness and compassion by honoring your loss. We do not heal in isolation or in criticism, we heal through lovingly accepting ourselves exactly where we are and in leaning on others for support.
