Imperfectly Perfect You

Photo by Moe Magners: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-person-holding-a-poster-6669561/

I had the incredible honor of guiding and completing a gentle morning yoga flow with a friend. We were discussing how we as humans tend to look for quick results. Here is what I told this friend. "Your body is perfect and as it is meant to be right now, at this time, in this moment. Honor it and be grateful for it." We all need to hear this more often. Including myself.

I don't have a model perfect body. I am carrying about twenty extra pounds than I normally do. The stress of last year impacted my health routine and my eating habits. Not to mention the increase of cortisol production that stress brings on which can make you retain extra weight. I have an autoimmune disorder which means my body is in a constant battle with itself. My body is perfect as it is and as it is meant to be right now, currently and in this moment. I am grateful for it and for its gifts.

Let me explain what I mean by that. My breath gives me life, my heart unceasingly moves the blood through my body giving it nourishment. My arms give me the ability to hold my loved ones and ease the hurt from the "boo-boos" my grandson experiences during his life as an active four-year-old. My eyes allow me to see and behold the beauty in this world. My ears allow me to hear joyful sounds and music. My voice allows me to guide, to sing, to comfort, to advocate, and communicate. My body gives me life and I am grateful for it. I honor its gifts by caring for it through yoga and meditation. I give it grace when it is not at its best. I forgive it and myself when I falter. Those acts are a practice and take practice. There is no magic bullet. No instant fix. There is gratitude for your blessings, forgiveness, and an understanding that you are an imperfectly perfect you.

Please take the time to thank yourself for taking time for you and thank your body and breath for its amazing gifts today, this weekend, and next week.

-A