Look at how intricate, complex, vital, and miraculous is every detail of your physical existence. Feel it. We’re too quick to judge, criticize, or wish we were different than we are. We blame genetics, old age, or weak habits for when things don’t work as well as we think they ought to. If we loved our body like we love our babies or lovers or mothers, if we adored, and treated our body with tenderness and respect, if we encouraged and supported its efforts toward health rather than beat ourselves up when it doesn’t meet our expectations, we’d feel a lot better. When you wake up aching, be kind to yourself. When you skip your fitness routine, remind yourself that you did the best you could, and that you’ll take care of yourself in other ways today. Be more objective about your body—regard it with gratitude, sweetness, and awe. Be loving. Avoid phrases like “I’m falling apart” or “I’m getting creaky” … don’t confuse your personality and individuality with your physicality. It takes practice, but the more tenderly and objectively you act toward your body, the stronger you feel and the healthier you are.
