In today's society and especially in the dance industry, we are constantly bombarded by images of "ideal" body shapes and sizes. There is also a way that we tend to ignore our bodies needds in order to fit into the confines of our society. But it's crucial to understand that our bodies are incredibly intelligent. Our bodies are able to solve problems that our brain cannot do on it’s own, and every body is unique. There is no single definition of beauty. This is where the concept of body positivity comes in.

What Is Body Positivity?

Body positivity is a social movement that advocates for the acceptance of all bodies regardless of physical ability, size, gender, race, or appearance. The body positivity movement challenges societal standards of beauty and encourages individuals to appreciate their bodies as they are.

How to Be Body Positive

Now, you may ask, "How can I cultivate body positivity?" Let's delve into how to develop body positivity and promote a better body image:

Practice self-love and self-acceptance: Recognize your body's worth beyond its physical appearance. Treat yourself with kindness, and respect your body for its strength and capabilities.
Curate your social media: Unfollow accounts that make you feel inadequate or pressure you to look a certain way. Follow body-positive influencers who celebrate diverse body types.
Challenge negative self-talk: Pay attention to how you talk to yourself. Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations.
Engage in mindful movement: Regular physical activity like dance can help foster a positive relationship with your body. But remember, the goal is to feel good, not to meet unrealistic aesthetic or athletic standards.
Seek support: Surround yourself with positive, supportive people who understand your journey. Don't hesitate to seek professional help if negative body image is affecting your mental health.

Developing body positivity is a journey, not a destination. Remember, it's about feeling good in your own skin, cherishing your unique traits, and refusing to conform to societal expectations. Body positivity extends beyond appearance and encompasses a deep appreciation for our physical selves. It takes practice, and there will be good days and bad days—but the more we commit to this practice, the stronger it becomes. The more we feed love and gratitude toward our bodies, the more we begin to truly believe it and cultivate a genuine sense of love and acceptance. Embodied awareness involves cultivating a mindful connection with our bodies, paying attention to our sensations, and trusting our instincts. By developing this connection, we can unlock our full potential, move through the world with greater confidence, and foster a more positive and fulfilling relationship with ourselves

Body Positivity and Embodied Awareness

Embodied Practice:

Developing body awareness: Pay attention to your body's sensations throughout the day, with different people, and in different places – your breath, your heartbeat, the tension in your muscles. This heightened awareness allows you to understand your body's limitations and strengths.
Trusting your instincts: Learn to trust your body's intuitive movements, whether it's finding the right balance in a dance pose or navigating a challenging situation.
Problem-solving through movement: Explore how movement can help you think creatively and find solutions to challenges.

Overcoming self-doubt:

Challenge limiting beliefs: Often, our biggest limitations are the ones we create in our minds.
Set realistic goals: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase the challenge.
Celebrate your successes: Acknowledge and appreciate your body's accomplishments, no matter how small.

You are more than your appearance. Your body is a vessel that carries your unique personality, experiences, and skills. Embrace it. Love it. Celebrate it.

Bibliography

Cherry, K. (2020, November 21). What Is Body Positivity?. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-body-positivity-4773402
Cleveland Clinic. (2019, May 8). 7 Tips for Building a Better Body Image as an Adult. Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/7-tips-for-building-a-better-body-image-as-an-adult/