Channing

Our bodies - our expressions, gestures, posture, positioning - sends messages to our nervous system in a feedback loop. How we feel can affect how we hold our bodies, and how we hold our bodies can affect how we feel.

When we feel shame, our bodies tend to look like we're slumping - our chest caves inwards, our shoulders curve in, our neck shrinks downward, and our head lowers.

If you are working on healing shame, notice how you may be exhibiting some of the physical shapes of shame naturally.

I invite you to experiment with what it feels like to elongate your spine, lift your chin up, raise your arms in a V shape above your head, and lift your chest.

Notice how your feelings shift as your body shifts. Notice, by chance, if any thoughts shifted.

Spending more time naked (in the safety of your own space) is a form of body image exposure that can help increase a person's body image and self-esteem.

So many individuals do little "tricks" to avoid seeing themselves fully such as completely avoiding mirrors, only utilizing chest up mirrors, or rushing to cover your body with a towel before walking in front of a mirror after a shower. Avoidance only strengthens negative body image.

Gently giving yourself the space to spend time naked, forces your brain to build new experiences with your body, become comfortable with your body, and essentially will build new messages of body acceptance. 🤍