Body Neutrality Basics

{#TransparentTuesday}

Hi friend,

When I sit down to write these blog posts, I often find myself going deep into the weeds on niche topics that are only peripherally related to the topic of body image and self-worth. 

Today, however, I want to go back to the basics of body neutrality (both for new readers and for anyone who needs a little reminder about what we’re doing here), and invite you to apply for body image coaching!

First of all, let’s take a moment to talk about what body image issues are, and what they’re not.

People who struggle with food, fitness, weight, or their appearance often worry that there’s something wrong with them. They might judge themselves for being too vain or superficial, for example, because why else would they care so much about looks? And sometimes they criticize themselves for not having the mental strength and confidence to just “let it go,” or “get over it,” or “stop caring so much.” 

But body image issues aren’t a sign of vanity or weakness. They exist for a deeper subconscious purpose, and they make sense, even if you don’t understand the “logic” of them yet! 

Body image issues always exist to protect or help you in some way— they’re trying to solve a problem, meet a need (think: for safety, belonging, control, or worthiness), help you earn or avoid something, or just help you cope and survive.

So while it’s true that body image issues can make you miserable and take over your life, they exist for a reason, and the first step to overcoming them is to identify what that specific reason is for you.

Accepting that opens the door for curiosity and self-compassion, which is required for the next (crucial) step on the path to body neutrality: figuring out how to make those deeper reasons obsolete.

For what it’s worth, I lay out my step-by-step plan for overcoming body image issues with tons of specific details, examples, case studies, and tools in my book Body Neutral, so if you’re wondering what the journey to body neutrality actually entails, I definitely recommend checking that out!

But for today, I just want to talk about the sticky fact that while we tend to think body image is about how we look, it’s actually about how we feel… about ourselves, our relationships, our purpose, and our place in the world. 

• If we don’t feel like we have anything of value to offer the world as a person, it makes sense to outsource the job of “earning worthiness” to the way we look.

• If we feel like we’re “too much” or “not enough,” it makes sense to project those insecurities onto our bodies and faces.

• If we’ve internalized oppressive beliefs about what it means to be successful and deserving, it makes sense to obsess over the way we’re viewed by others.

  
  

This is where body image coaching comes in!

Through coaching with me, you will learn how to unburden yourself from society’s oppressive rules and expectations, develop a strong and resilient sense of self-worth for who you are as a person, and heal your injured relationship with yourself, your body, and the world… so that the way you look no longer has the power to upset or control you.

Through coaching you’ll learn (or remember) that the way you look is actually the least interesting and important thing about you… not because it’s entirely boring or meaningless, but because it simply cannot compare to the depth, richness, and infinite value of who you are on the inside.

In our world, there will never be any pressure to “love your body.” There will only be the invitation to get curious and honest about why you don’t. To explore and loosen the rules and stories you’ve had about your body for so long. To let them fall away, and discover what you’re really wanting, needing, and feeling underneath them all.

We’ll be exploring the darkest depths of your inner world, but in a way that feels safe, supportive, and even at times playful. 

That’s the alchemy and magic of coaching. 

We’re working as a team, so you’ll never be alone. We’re bringing our intuitions and imaginations to the process, so we can find creative new ways to solve old sticky problems. And we’re anchoring ourselves in the knowledge that you (and your body image issues) exist for a reason and make sense, so there’s no room for self-judgment or shame. 

You might feel like you’ve “tried everything” when it comes to overcoming your food or body image issues, but if you haven’t tried coaching yet, I assure you: this is what you’ve been looking for. 

Ready to apply for body image coaching with me? 

Check out my package details and apply here, or hit reply to talk about finding the right coaching fit for you!

Big hug,

Jessi