Seven Keys to Rejuvenate

Developing a Healthy Body Image In the modern world, women are bombarded by pictures of the ideal body, the ideal face and the ideal look….It’s no wonder many of us end up looking at ourselves in a critical way. Remember, however, that the photos you see of women looking glamourous in magazines are the result of clever technicians who are talented at using software like Photoshop. Each picture you see has been enhanced to make the person look good in the magazine. You can overcome this social pressure and be proud of your body! First, I would like to know what happens when you are in the bathroom in front of your mirror. Do you see yourself quickly and superficially or do you relate to yourself deeply? Do you see one of your parents looking back at you? Next time you are in front of the mirror, here is a little exercise to do. Look at yourself and write down 10 things about your reflection: What thoughts are going through your mind when you’re looking at your face and your body? I would like you to imagine that you are with your own mentor looking at the 10 things you wrote about yourself. The mentor is someone you admire and trust. They have been following you since you were born. They are next to you and you can imagine yourself as that vulnerable child. Feel how deserving of love, freedom and happiness you are. The mentor is the voice of a loving and nurturing parent over your shoulder looking at what you have written. What do you think a supportive and encouraging mentor would say about your list? What would they say that is positive about you? Read out loud all of the negative thoughts about your body. Now, imagine that you are directing those words to your best friend. Would you really say that to your best friend? I doubt you would, because you love and respect them. So, then treat yourself like your best friend and give yourself the same respect by stopping those negative inner thoughts! Say thank you to your body every day. After all, it is thanks to your body that you can breathe, see, digest, hear, smell, walk and touch. I know it is easy to blame your body when you get sick, but your body is always doing what’s in your best interest and is only reflecting the state of your inner being. It is time to bless your body! Every morning and evening, spend five minutes sending love to every part of your body, from your head to your toes. Appreciate each part for what it allows you to be and do and imagine what your life would be like without that part of your body. Apply your hands on each part as you send it love and thanks. Spend extra time on the parts you don’t usually like. Then, choose a tiny part of your body you can see, stare at it until you feel love for it, and then extend that love to the rest of the body. Keep going and extend that feeling towards people you love, then extend this love to people you don’t know or don’t particularly like. Send that love to the closest person to you in the room. Finally imagine everyone bathing in this boundless, endless sea of love! This exercise will bring you peace and serenity while regenerating you at all levels. Remember that age is an attitude and you will be and look the age you feel. If your mind is young, your appearance will follow. Stay excited and interested in life, keep yourself fit and healthy, and you will stay youthful looking for longer. Simply because you are retired does not mean you can’t go to college, learn a new language or climb the Himalayas. Of course, you need to take care of your physical body at the same time. Take a moment with me, take a deep breath and close your eyes. Start scanning your body from head to toe, and get in tune with the state of your body. Ask yourself: Which part of my body holds most of my tension? Which part is the strongest, supplest, most injury-prone…? How can I take care of my body so it can function at its best? Which parts need the most attention?” Then design a plan to take care of your body. Is it time for a relaxing massage or a teeth cleaning? Would my body appreciate a trip to the hairdresser, the manicurist, the chiropractor…? Do I need to incorporate a daily ritual such as yoga or a walk? Feeling good about yourself is crucial and is your first priority, but feeling comfortable with your physical appearance is important as well. If your physical appearance is something that you are uncomfortable with, there are a few things you can do in addition to the self-love exercises we’ve gone through. It’s not necessary to spend hours every day, it’s simply about taking care of yourself regularly to make you feel better about yourself and prove that you are worth the time. Improve your image and appearance by taking care of your skin, hair and makeup. Develop a confident posture, behaviour and tone of voice that can make you look confident. Treat yourself well and have respect for your own body. Your body is the home of your spirit and it is a very sacred place!