Isn't there a difference between acceptance -- when it means being kind TO yourself and understanding OF yourself -- and denial? I worry about extreme overweight in a person whose family, say, has a history of diabetes or heart disease or breast cancer. Self-hatred and shame do no one any good - certainly. But self-assessment, kindly and lovingly applied to oneself -- that seems to me something that could be valuable. If a person knows that extreme overweight is dangerous to their health, doesn't it make sense to speak to a professional and try to do something about it? I worry that "radical body acceptance" will put too many people at medical risk. Again, that doesn't mean that one should hate one's body or feel shame or try to be a shape one was not mean to be (skinny isn't the point). Healthy is the point. It's a different kind of caring for one's body, as I see it. I realize that this may be an unpopular position right now, but that's my thinking ...
Appreciated this grounding message in the midst of holiday season. I’ve already noticed more self judgement creeping in, and I’m going to work on interrupting those thoughts with radical acceptance.
I’m sort of stunned by some of these comments which suggest a certain degree of resistance to this concept. I think there’s a lot of conditioned fear in us about staying healthy. And maybe this leads to the belief that we have to really exert a lot of control over our bodies.
I agree w you, Gillian. It’s important to realize that being healthy and accepting our body are *not* mutually exclusive. Body acceptance ≠ giving up on health. It’s quite the opposite! In fact, in caring for patients for over 20 yrs I’ve seen more people get healthier - inside and out - when they finally release themselves from the strict “rules” they’ve set up for themselves.
I believe that All this makes sense and "works ONLY when a person FEELS genuinely confident. And IF you are confident, well, then you do not need this discussion. Changing attitudes and behaviors have to be the most challenging of human activities.
I just came back from Thanksgiving week with family in Europe. People, generally, are not fat over there. I truly believe watching what we eat, especially in the USA where additives are hidden everywhere needs to be included in this article. The chicken salad I bought from Whole Foods yesterday has tapioca starch in it! In Europe eating natural foods bought daily at the market is a much healthier diet, though this would be difficult in the USA I truly believe you can can not talk about body shaming without also looking in the mirror and ask, “ Am I making good choices for this amazing vessel I call mine!” Thank you for starting this Substack as I frequently send your articles on to friends and family but I am not going to send this along to my teenage female grandchildren as I hope they are still working on making good choices which can and should start at home and with a good diet, then comes acceptance of your body. Just my opinion! Cheers
It is absolutely true that nourishing our body healthfully - and not rigidly - and moving our body intuitively, regularly, and not as punishment is important for HEALTH and for body image! See next week for more on this :)
Gained extra pounds during the lockdown /pool closed period. Not as much a body image problem as extra weight limits activity and makes it easier to skip a workout. And at 92 it’s easier than ever to skip workouts.
I’ve gained weight (15lbs) in the past six months from a medication and this is hard for me to accept. I don’t feel comfortable or confident. I cannot afford new clothes but even if I could I’m not sure how to navigate the styles.
Isn't there a difference between acceptance -- when it means being kind TO yourself and understanding OF yourself -- and denial? I worry about extreme overweight in a person whose family, say, has a history of diabetes or heart disease or breast cancer. Self-hatred and shame do no one any good - certainly. But self-assessment, kindly and lovingly applied to oneself -- that seems to me something that could be valuable. If a person knows that extreme overweight is dangerous to their health, doesn't it make sense to speak to a professional and try to do something about it? I worry that "radical body acceptance" will put too many people at medical risk. Again, that doesn't mean that one should hate one's body or feel shame or try to be a shape one was not mean to be (skinny isn't the point). Healthy is the point. It's a different kind of caring for one's body, as I see it. I realize that this may be an unpopular position right now, but that's my thinking ...
This is a FANTASTIC question! If okay with you, I will use it for my Q&A on Friday (and shorten it a bit if okay w you?) Thank you!
sure
Appreciated this grounding message in the midst of holiday season. I’ve already noticed more self judgement creeping in, and I’m going to work on interrupting those thoughts with radical acceptance.
Thank you! And yes, try to halt those thoughts in their tracks!
Same here!
I’m sort of stunned by some of these comments which suggest a certain degree of resistance to this concept. I think there’s a lot of conditioned fear in us about staying healthy. And maybe this leads to the belief that we have to really exert a lot of control over our bodies.
I agree w you, Gillian. It’s important to realize that being healthy and accepting our body are *not* mutually exclusive. Body acceptance ≠ giving up on health. It’s quite the opposite! In fact, in caring for patients for over 20 yrs I’ve seen more people get healthier - inside and out - when they finally release themselves from the strict “rules” they’ve set up for themselves.
I believe that All this makes sense and "works ONLY when a person FEELS genuinely confident. And IF you are confident, well, then you do not need this discussion. Changing attitudes and behaviors have to be the most challenging of human activities.
You said it, Ellen!
Thank you so much for this! I’m currently reading Body Neutral by Jessi Kneeland and it’s helping me so much.
Wonderful!!
I just came back from Thanksgiving week with family in Europe. People, generally, are not fat over there. I truly believe watching what we eat, especially in the USA where additives are hidden everywhere needs to be included in this article. The chicken salad I bought from Whole Foods yesterday has tapioca starch in it! In Europe eating natural foods bought daily at the market is a much healthier diet, though this would be difficult in the USA I truly believe you can can not talk about body shaming without also looking in the mirror and ask, “ Am I making good choices for this amazing vessel I call mine!” Thank you for starting this Substack as I frequently send your articles on to friends and family but I am not going to send this along to my teenage female grandchildren as I hope they are still working on making good choices which can and should start at home and with a good diet, then comes acceptance of your body. Just my opinion! Cheers
It is absolutely true that nourishing our body healthfully - and not rigidly - and moving our body intuitively, regularly, and not as punishment is important for HEALTH and for body image! See next week for more on this :)
Gained extra pounds during the lockdown /pool closed period. Not as much a body image problem as extra weight limits activity and makes it easier to skip a workout. And at 92 it’s easier than ever to skip workouts.
“I love Lucy” redux. Since first seeing her with ZDOGGMD.
xoxo
Lovely. I'm approaching 70 and wonder if I will ever "get there" regarding body image. Looking forward to the next phase of neutral.
It's a process indeed!! All the best to you :)
Thanks for bringing all the open talks. Your
Enlightenment brings you closer to us and to me . I think I’m eager to a my covers removed and to tell and hear some real truth. I can’t wait!
I’ve gained weight (15lbs) in the past six months from a medication and this is hard for me to accept. I don’t feel comfortable or confident. I cannot afford new clothes but even if I could I’m not sure how to navigate the styles.