Stop the Negative Self Talk! Thank Your Body With This Gratitude Meditation

A body scan meditation mixed with a gratitude meditation is an excellent way to promote a harmonious mind-body connection. In this simple meditation, you have the unique opportunity to thank your body for all it does for you on a daily basis to radically improve your body image in a new way.

Your body is an incredible system, one which offers you the ability to live and enjoy your life. However, it can be all too easy to forget this and take your body for granted.

By switching up the dialogue and offering your body this gratitude meditation, a different perspective emerges. This newfound perspective focuses on the amazing capacity of the human body rather than on shape or size.
 
 

Here’s How to Practice Your Body Scan Meditation:

Find a quiet place. Either sit in a comfortable cross-legged posture or lie down on your back. Begin by taking a few deep breaths.

As you go through the body scan meditation, start at the top of your head and move down through your body. First, create awareness in the body part you are focusing on. Tune into how it feels and all sensations that arise there.

Then, offer it thanks as you bring in the gratitude meditation . . .
 
 

Now Add This Gratitude Meditation to Your Body Scans:

Consider the gratitude meditation below as a starting point. Feel free to be creative and get specific about how the different areas of your body have supported you.
 

To Start, Bring Your Attention to Your Head

And thank . . .

• Your ears for listening
• Your eyes for taking in the world
• Your tongue for speaking your truth
• Your mouth for eating nourishing food
• Your mind for its insight and ability to focus

Then, Move Down Into Your Chest

And thank . . .

• Your lungs for breathing in fresh air
• Your heart for beating

Bring Your Awareness Into Your Arms

And thank . . .

• Your hands for writing, holding books, creating
• Your fingers for their sense of touch
• Your arms for any hugs that you have given and/or received today

Tune Into Your Torso

And thank . . .

• Your belly for digesting nourishing food
• Your vital organs for all your body’s functions

Feel Your Lower Body

And thank . . .

• Your legs and feet for carrying you around all day

Finally, Connect With Your Whole Body

And thank . . .

• Your body for being your vessel in the world, your vehicle for experiencing each day fully

Improve Your Body Image With This Body Scan and Gratitude Meditation

Mixing a body scan meditation with a gratitude meditation is a wonderful way to foster a happy and healthy body image.

You might find that there are areas of the body where you meet some resistance. These are the places where you need body gratitude the most and where this exercise can support healing.

Offering all parts of your body appreciation (rather than criticism) can foster a positive body image and a supportive, healthy mindset.

Give this simple meditation a try anytime your body confidence needs a boost.

Do you struggle with meditation? Use These 10 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Meditation Practice (From a Meditation Guru)

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