I know this is a strange topic, but it is rolling through my consciousness. As I stood in front of the mirror this morning moaning and groaning about the size of my belly, I had an inkling within to embrace and love my stomach as it is. Taking the lead from Spirit, I have decided to do just that–love my belly and offer it gratitude.
Brenda’s big, beautiful belly
This stomach of mine has endured a lot of abuse over the years. I’ve swallowed gallons of anger, tons of emotional pain, pounds of shaming abusive words and actions, and I’ve dumped and carried my stress in it. Over the years I’ve eaten foods that were unhealthy, drank alcohol immoderately,and swallowed toxins on a daily basis.
I’ve had gastric distress and ignored it, taken meds that all but depleted my gut of its friendly flora, and have been known as the belching queen, the crop duster and the ferocious farter. And through it all, I’ve kept on ignoring my gut.
The abuse I’ve handed it began to catch up with me about a year ago and as I look at my large belly I feel gratitude that it finally got my attention. For close to a year I have been aware my GI tract was screaming at me to notice it.
I laid on the floor this morning with my hands embracing my belly. I thanked it for seeing me through so many difficult times and for continuing to serve me even when I abused it. Though I filled it with toxins it kept on working for me. I am grateful it got big enough and sick enough for me to finally give it my attention.
google image from real-women. www.fitceleb.com
How am I honoring and nurturing my gut? I’m on a diet of acceptance and compassion, I’m no longer pushing myself to do more or to be more which has relieved me of mountains of stress, and I’m loving where and who I am. On the physical side I’m eating more whole cleaner foods but smaller portions, I’m giving myself a daily shake made of coconut milk, ground flaxseed powder, rice protein and fruit,and I take marshmallow root which is an excellent demulcent.
My belly has not shrunk at all even though I’ve made these changes, but I’m willing to love it as it is and continue to fill it with kindness and love. Today, I embrace my stomach and say thank you for getting my attention and for continuing to work for me.
How about you? Is any area of your body calling to you for attention? Could today possibly be a good day for you to embrace and pay homage to a part of yourself that you do not like, or have ignored?
The universe would not be the same without you.You are important. Love and peace ∞ Brenda
I just nominated you for the Liebster Blog award: http://peacewithmylife.com/2012/10/21/one-good-deed-deserves-another/
Great post, Brenda and timely as usual. What you have experienced and endured with your stomach almost mirrors my relationship with my stomach. It’s also making me take notice and I’m being kinder and giving it healthier and lighter foods so it has time to digest. I walk everyday anyway, but I’m a lot more mindful of my stomach these days. I detested it as a child and all the woes it brought me. I embrace it now, and know it’s time to make those changes and keep em for good. I want a more loving relationship with my stomach and since I’m manifesting such healthy thoughts I will have a flatter one while I’m at it. Thank you universe, thank you stomach
I love your beautiful comment, Michele. I am hearing a very strong call to be quiet, pay close attention to my body, rest and sleep more, and trust my body to take me home to myself. This is a new part of my healing journey and I’m giving it full attention.
Love and hugs, Brenda
Dear Brenda,
A belly? You? No way! You are tough showing it to the world or did you use someone else for the picture?
Do not mix fruit, flaxseed and protein – it will cause an explosion in your belly, lots of gas – great to build a biogas plant.
Take it seperately. When I think I have a belly, it is mostly about overeating the day before, or having a sluggish posture. Then I straighten up, have lots of tea, nothing to eat in the evening and lots of up-hill runs and walks – tummy tight! Belly gone – a miracle.
Peace and sunshine
Ellen
Thanks for your comment, Ellen. I appreciate your words and your wisdom.
interesting post Brenda…
I feel your words….I started walking again….it is helping ….
I was trying to catch up with you today but time has slipped away again…
(didn’t help I overslept!)
will email when I get off work….
Take Care…My friend….
You Matter…..Much
)0(
maryrose
Thank you maryrose. I walk also, in fact I just got back from a 25 minute jaunt around my neighborhood. I live in the mountains so my 25 minutes is composed of up hills and down them. By time I get through I always feel like I’ve had quite a workout.
Good work listening to your body, Brenda. Here’s some things that I have included in my regimen for a healthier body: bouncing on a mini trampoline twenty minutes four to five times a week, and one half cup of sauerkraut a few times a week. I love it in potato soup—nice counter point.
I love sauerkraut also and put it on my grocery list yesterday. The trampoline sounds great. I do walk 3 to 4 times a week and my walk is usually 25-30 minutes. Since I’m in the mountains my walk always includes up hills and down the other side. I get a good workout for sure.