In doing this work of Reclaiming Body Sovereignty I have come to see the importance of three elements: Compassion, Mindfulness and Discernment. Today, let’s explore Discernment…what is it, and why is it important in feeling better about our body?
Discernment is about opening our eyes to the influences that surround us and finding ways to determine what is helpful to us in our body sovereignty journey. We are bombarded daily with science and opinions about how we should be in relationship with food, movement and our bodies. Discernment is about taking the time to think critically about all this information, balancing trust in others who have wisdom and knowledge to share with trust in ourselves.
There are many traps out in the world that can undo all the work we have done in reclaiming our body sovereignty. No matter how mindfully and with self compassion we are living our lives, we live in a society that does not necessarily support this work. Awakening to Discernment can help you avoid traps such as:
• media images perpetuating the thin ideal body type
• ever present and confusing nutritional advice
• fat shaming and body shaming in popular culture, news media, within your circle of family and friends.
• diet talk…at work, at home, at church…it is *everywhere*
• the prevailing unhelpful messaging that only certain body types can be healthy
Awakening to Discernment is how we navigate these eddies in our River of Sovereignty, by becoming aware of and understanding how social and cultural influences impact on our body/self image can help us to counteract these influences and to provide us a framework for interacting with the world.
Ask yourself: In what areas of your life do you tend to trust input from others…outside experts? How do you decide who to trust?
Our cultural climate does not support body sovereignty, but by awakening to discernment we can stay strong and make informed choices. Discernment helps us to be willing to see past our own assumptions and biases, and to question the biases of those trying to convince us of a particular way of thinking.
Want to learn more?
Check out the Reclaiming Body Sovereignty Workbook for a more in-depth look at Mindfulness, Compassion and Discernment and how cultivating them in your life can support you in becoming body sovereign.
Also, sign up for the Living Body Sovereign Newsletter and receive body sovereignty insight, information and encouragement right to your inbox!
Finally, if you are ready to dive deep into your journey of body sovereignty, book a session with me and away we will go! If you have questions, book a free consultation!