World Hello Day (WHD) was created so that everyone can contribute to the process of peace. It is a reminder that we all have influence over the peace in our lives, and that peace can be shared and spread through communities and across borders. Today, and every day, we would like to invite you to begin that journey.
If you are struggling with your body confidence, you can feel at war with yourself and your body. If your body could speak (and it does), what message would it be sending out to the world? How well do you take notice of and love your body?
3-Steps to Spreading Positivity and Peace with your Body on WHD
Step 1: Body Knowledge - For YOU
Begin by asking your body for its wisdom. We spend so long rushing around that we don’t find the time to notice. Find a quiet place and ask your body:
What events have shaped you? Good fortune? Accident? Trauma? Beliefs? Genetic Lineage? Daily Lifestyle? Habits?
What does your body need to protect?
What does your body express?
How does your body move?
Take an inventory of your body. Scan your body and ask yourself how does this curve, this freckle, this scar, this bunion, this wrinkle, this belly, these hips etc inform what I believe about my body?
How does your body greet people and say ‘hello’?!
Step 2: Body Assertiveness - Challenge for Friends I’m Yet to Meet
Now take your beautiful body and challenge yourself to go for a walk. As you are walking, make eye contact and greet x10 strangers as you pass them. Use your smile and hold your head high. If you are feeling it, share an authentic compliment. It is wonderful to receive compliments from someone we don’t know.
Step 3: Body Love - Challenge For the Ones I Love
To challenge yourself further, think of 10 people in your life that you might influence and send them a thoughtful compliment. Who in your life would benefit from a message of peace, kindness, or hope today? Ask yourself:
How do my words and actions affect how my partner sees themselves?
Consider how my friends might feel about their bodies?
Get curious about my colleagues, or neighbours, or family members. What have I noticed about their mood... Things are tough for a lot of people right now, so extending a compliment might turn someone’s day around.
We have no control over anyone’s opinions other than our own; but we can role-model to have influence.
Finally…
Grab a pen and paper and think of 50 ways (yes 50) to thank your body for all it does for you. Thank your legs for taking you walking, your smile for greeting people, your eyes for making contact, your belly for the laughter, and your brain for trusting you even though you might have been nervous. This is a great exercise that trains you to look for all the things that are great about your body as well as enjoy gratitude and celebrate your World Hello Day challenge success.
It’s time to give yourself a treat. What does your body need the most? How can you make peace with your body? How can you nourish your body today? For peace starts within us.
Author Ursula Joy
Artistic Director & Body Confidence Coach