This piece is about transmuting judgment into gratitude, specifically around the body. I take you on a non-linear unfolding of my own journey through the process and guide you through steps to begin to shift out of judgement and into body gratitude.
Let’s start with the catalyst for this piece, which occurred just this morning.
Sphincter Gratitude
I was out with Pepper and thankfully not too far from home when I realized I had to poop.
It was one of those moments where it went quickly from, oh I think I need to go…
To, I HAVE to go NOW!
As I scooped up Pepper and put him into his stroller, I thought something I don’t think I’ve ever acknowledged before.
I’m so grateful for a healthy anal sphincter. To be fair, my actual thought was, “I’m so grateful for a sphincter”.
What’s a Sphincter?
For context, a sphincter is made up of circular muscles that constrict or dilate to control the passage of substances. Essentially, the ability to “hold it” until you get to the bathroom is all thanks to sphincters.
I’m familiar with the primary sphincters of the gastrointestinal and urinary systems, so I was shocked to learn that the body has over 60 sphincters!
Just think how much the body does that we are not even aware of.
And now back to the experience!
Body Intelligence
As I watched my whole body engage to push Pepper uphill, while simultaneously feeling this sense of urgency, I had a profound moment of awe for the physical form. It is so intelligent and intentional in its design, honoring multiple needs in a single moment.
This isn’t a new thought for me, but it landed quite deeply in that moment.
My Journey to Body Gratitude
Part of my own recovery process from an eating disorder was understanding how the human body operated. It helped to soften the judgmental thoughts and cultivate appreciation while also understanding that the idea of trying to control the body is almost laughable.
I also know how easy it is to fall into the trap of trying to control the body in today’s society. I tried to “out smart my body” for a long time, even when I saw it wasn’t “working”.
In my experience, it is so much easier to surrender and trust that the body knows what to do if you honor it’s needs and are in acceptance of how it unfolds.
And its a win win because this process of surrender, trust and acceptance translates beautifully into all areas of life!
Seeing The Body Through New Eyes
In graduate school, I remember being terrified to take biochemistry only to absolutely love it! It made me see the miraculous design of the body through new eyes. It brought my appreciation to a whole new level.
Training and working in eating disorders also showed me how much the body will accommodate until it hits its breaking point. It will do everything it can to adjust to behaviors that are compromising its ability to function optimally. It will also give you subtle and then not so subtle signs that something needs to change.
Through this perspective, one can see the body as patient, compassionate and kind.
And remember, “it” as in the body…is you.
You are your body.
And your body is you.
And at the same time, you are so much more than you even realize. We’ll dive deeper into this in a moment.
Body Gratitude
Let’s get curious for a moment.
If it’s comfortable, you can even place a hand or two over the heart center to drop into a place of compassion and connection.
Has an ailment ever been a message from the body? Similar to what I discuss in this post about an eczema flair up.
Have you ever been injured, only to find how much gratitude and appreciation you have for the body once you heal?
Or even while injured, seeing how often we take it for granted.
I don’t want to be grateful for my anal sphincter only after a period of incontinence. I want to honor and rejoice in it in those moments it’s supporting me. Ultimately, I want to be grateful for it regardless of if it’s working properly or not.
Like the Spice Girls said, “What I want? What I really really want?”
Is to be grateful and honor every cell of my body for it’s wisdom and as I believe, it’s divinity.
The Body As the Embodiment of Soul
You might be wondering how I came to the idea of cells being divine.
Well at first it was an idea from my various studies.
Then I had an amazing experience on a plane coming back from my brother’s wedding that allowed me to embody it.
I saw everyone as energy and then everything expanded out into this beautiful field of energy. There was no plane or people or any “baggage” of any kind. It was just a field of energy that expanded outward and then back in returning everything back into form.
It was in that moment that I saw every cell as the embodiment of the Soul that we are.
We are not a soul inhabiting a meat suit.
The body is the embodiment of the Soul. At least, thats a perspective one can have.
It is through this lens that the wisdom of the body becomes even more clear and profound.
Side note: My own understanding of being an individuated Soul is shifting, which you can learn more about in this video.
Transmuting Judgement into Body Gratitude
If you’ve gotten this far, you might be wondering how to shift out of judgment and into body gratitude.
There are so many ways, this is just one approach.
Technique:
Step 1:
The next time you judge your body because it isn’t working or looking the way you want, notice it.
That is the first step.
Simply begin to notice the judgement.
You might notice it for months or even years before moving on to the next step.
Patience in this process is practicing compassion. If this is a long held belief or is generational, it won’t magically disappear overnight.
Step 2:
When it feels accessible, get curious as to why it’s there and what is upholding the belief.
This might also take time. It can feel very uncomfortable to explore these judgements. Utilizing professional support, whenever accessible, is helpful. If you experience any sort of emotional dysregulation or dissociation in this process, that is a neon sign that professional support is needed. You can access free referrals here.
Step 3:
Hold this idea that the body is the Soul in form in tandem with the judgment.
Feel into each one through the lens of the witness or observer.
Which one feels more aligned with:
- Who you want to be ?
- How you want to live your life?
- How you want to feel?
There is no right or wrong answer.
There might be great purpose in the judgment for you at this time and in this life.
When you shift into the lens of the observer, you’ll have more clarity. So try not to force anything.
Give it time and allow it to be.
Step 4:
If you want to release the judgment, continue to notice it when it arises.
Hold compassion for why it’s present and use any tools you might have (reframing, positive affirmations, mantra, light language, EFT, etc) to transmute the judgment. Thanking it for its lessons and shifting you into a state of gratitude.
Allow the gratitude to fill the space where judgment resided.
Reminder:
This process might not be linear in nature. You might bounce around between steps. You might even develop your own process, which I highly encourage you to do!
And until next time friends, stay curious!
You Might Enjoy
- Transmuting Judgment: From Expectation to Compassion
- Seeing Through New Eyes: The Energy of Rejection as a Spiritual Invitation
- Cancel Culture to Compassion Culture
- The Illusion of Safety Through Control: Learning to Surrender to Life
Creative Offering:
If these words serve you, let them fly.
If you teach from them, may they bloom again.
Credit is kind. Integrity is everything.
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.
Disclaimer:
These are my current musings, only utilizing AI for graphics. This content is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the support of a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional regarding any concerns or conditions.