Compassion for the Body: Valerie Parker

Compassion for the Body is an idea some of us around the studio have explored this month as a part of our monthly theme Compassion.  For many of us the idea of applying compassion to ourselves, especially our bodies, is a completely foriegn idea.  We've never considered cultivating compassion for ourselves, instead we think of it as only something we do or don't offer to others.  

To get started... if you're reading this and are like, "What, compassion for myself?  That's crazy!"  Go back and read Compassion for the Body.  

If you'd like to join us in our exploration here is an exercise shared by Valerie Parker.  Take this idea deeper, it's life changing!  

- Shannon Leigh

Valerie in Fish Pose at the Huron studio. Valerie teaches in Sandusky (Mondays 8:30 - 9:45 AM, Wednesdays 12 - 1:00 PM) and Norwalk (Tuesdays 12 - 1:00 PM)



Exercise:  Letter to the Body

Compassion, OWY's theme this month, reminds me of a very powerful exercise that I completed at a Kripalu workshop.

Compassion is empathy, understanding, care, concern, sensitivity, warmth,  love, gentleness, mercy, kindness.  What we practice in ourselves shines through to others. Yet, for many of us our feelings about ourselves and our bodies are less than compassionate.    

Body image is an area where so many of us experience critical self-judgement, and lack of compassion.  This exercise can help to illuminate the truth about your body.  

Consider the following:

Who has been part of your life from the day you were born until present?
Who has never let you down no matter what, even when you didn’t make the best choices?
Who listens attentively to your every word and thought?
Who reveals every life sensation and emotion?
Who is with you 24/7, 365 days a year throughout your life journey, through peak moments of joy and your deepest struggles?

Answer:  Your dear friend, your body.

Exercise:  Write a letter to your body as if you were writing to a dear friend: 

Example:  (Both examples were written by Valerie)

My dear body,
This is what I have to tell you:

I have to tell you thank-you for tolerating and being resilient to my ever changing judgemental mind.  I thank you for providing me with a healthy vehicle to do my daily work and giving me 4 beautiful children.  I want to thank you for allowing me to see, hear, feel, touch nature and others around me.  Body, I want to say I am sorry for loathing you and torturing you at times.  Body, thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking care of me.  Sincerely, Valerie

Exercise:  Give your body a chance to respond.  You'll be amazed when you give voice to this part of yourself.  The body is very forgiving. 

Example:
Dearest Valerie,
Here is my response to you:

I have tirelessly given you my all, totally understanding your need to question and push me.  I have joyfully nourished you, pumped your blood and protected you from the environment.  I have without thought or concern served your needs through joy and sadness.  I will continue to do my very best every moment of every day.  

Love, Your Body

Thanks Valerie for this vulnerable share!  Stay tuned for more on Vulnerability - up and coming as March's theme.