Living in today’s anti-fatness, “health” obsessed society, it’s hard to escape the inevitable food and/or body shame that comes along with it. A they also thrive in secrecy, let’s talk about it and let the unlearning begin!
I think it is important to start off by defining shame. The word is used quite often, but when you hear the definition of shame it lands in a different way. Brene brown defines shame as “intensely painful feeling or experience of believing that we are flawed and therefore unworthy of love and belonging.” Take a moment and notice how that is landing for you in this moment. It’s also okay if you don’t notice anything! There is no right or wrong when you cultivate inner awareness.
While feelings of guilt and fear are not inherently “bad” and can be useful guides for us, there isn’t any benefit to shame, especially when you see it in the context of Brene Brown’s definition of shame.
Unfortunately, there is so much shame around bodies and food in our society. It’s been ingrained as the norm in so many people through diet culture and systematic weight stigma and fatphobia, that many people don’t even question it. So let’s start to get curious about food and body shame because you can’t challenge a thought or a belief if you don’t first acknowledge it.
Food Shame
Living in today’s anti-fatness, “health” obsessed society, it’s hard to escape the inevitable food and/or body shame that comes along with it. A they also thrive in secrecy, let’s talk about it and let the unlearning begin!
I think it is important to start off by defining shame. The word is used quite often, but when you hear the definition of shame it lands in a different way. Brene brown defines shame as “intensely painful feeling or experience of believing that we are flawed and therefore unworthy of love and belonging.” Take a moment and notice how that is landing for you in this moment. It’s also okay if you don’t notice anything! There is no right or wrong when you cultivate inner awareness.
While feelings of guilt and fear are not inherently “bad” and can be useful guides for us, there isn’t any benefit to shame, especially when you see it in the context of Brene Brown’s definition of shame.
Unfortunately, there is so much shame around bodies and food in our society. It’s been ingrained as the norm in so many people through diet culture and systematic weight stigma and fatphobia, that many people don’t even question it. So let’s start to get curious about food and body shame because you can’t challenge a thought or a belief if you don’t first acknowledge it.
Body Shame
Body shame can run very deep and is unique for each person based on your experiences in this life. You can feel shame around your body due to internalized weight stigma, blatant weight stigma, fat shaming, sexual abuse, gender dysphoria, race, colorism, disabilities, bullying, emotional abuse, sadly the list goes on and on. Body shame can also be passed down from generation to generation. This is much more complex and layered than people make it out to be. The desire to lose weight stemming from shame around the body is not shallow, as so many people say. For many, this belief also just leads to more shame. It’s important to acknowledge any shame you might have around your body and how that contributes and feeds into your desire to lose weight.
You can’t heal something that isn’t recognized and every aspect of you deserves that. You might not believe that you deserve it and I’ll hold that for you until you’re ready to acknowledge it. As I discuss in my course regarding our shadow selves, all of your parts and needs deserves to be seen. Sometimes just in the act of being seen, you can begin to heal those wounds. More often than not, it’s not that easy, though I wish it were. Please know that you are not alone and body shame can run DEEP and is something that 99.9% can relate to. While it might not be “easy” for some, talking about the shame and your experience and feelings around it with a trained professional, friend(s), family and/or your support network can one step towards letting go of that shame.
Manipura Chakra
As we’ve discussed, a prevalence of shame can signify a third chakra imbalance. One can see the connection here in the third chakra, our center of personal power being out of balance when there is shame. It’s hard to feel any sense of empowerment, confidence and self-worth in yourself when you’re carrying on to shame as well. Depending on your story, therapy or more support around these issues is always recommended. Brene Brown is a fabulous resource when it comes to shame if you want to learn more.
Sometimes working with shame directly can feel overwhelming. The cool thing about the chakras is that it is all about the exchange of energy. You can work with imbalances in various ways. For example, you can use affirmations to help heal and restore balance to the chakras. This in return can help to soften and release the shame. There are so many ways to work with the chakras! Knowing and understanding your personal chakra system will help you understand the “best” ways to work with blockages. We will be reviewing this in module 9 of my upcoming course!
Solar Plexus Chakra Affirmations
Affirmations can be a great way to work with the chakras if that speaks to you. Below you will find 10 affirmations you can use to help rebalance and heal your navel chakra. They may or may not resonate with you. Take what works and leave the rest, but maybe put them in your back pocket because you never know when one might be just what you need. If anything, please use these as a jumping off point to create your own. You can also notice what arises with you when you read each one to get a better understanding of the parts of yourself, specific to your manipura chakra that may need some attention.
I am confident.
I am empowered.
My potential is limitless.
I embrace my power.
My body and mind release what no longer serves me.
I digest my feelings and emotions and release them.
I release shame inducing thoughts and behaviors.
My life has purpose.
I release negative thoughts about myself.
I will reach my highest potential with ease.
These were taken directly from the mantras in the solar plexus chakra workbook included in my upcoming course. The workbook has more than 50 different affirmations organized based on the governing forces that the third chakra rules. You can learn more about the course here.
Disclaimer: This post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute individualized support or medical advice.
Blair is a registered dietitian, certified intuitive eating counselor, E-500 RYT and Reiki Master. She integrates spirituality with modern day science to help people heal and reclaim their relationship with their body and food.