return to body trust©: A radical shift

The path back to Body Trust© invites us home to a space of acceptance and trust in the wisdom of the body. Returning to our body, we remember that it’s our life-long home for our experiences, wisdom, and strength. Through Body Trust© we reclaim ownership of our bodies and start to dismantle the long-held narratives that dictate our worth. Let's delve deeper into some of what this liberatory approach means.

We're Born With It

We have Body Trust© right from the start, from the time we’re born - it’s just part of who we are, not something we have to attain. A newborn baby instinctively knows when it’s hungry, full, tired, overwhelmed, scared, or comfortable. They effortlessly respond to both internal and external stimuli without hesitation. The child remains in tune with many of these same experiences and continues to adapt and adjust to meet their needs. There’s no questioning of whether they are deserving, whether it’s the right time, or whether their body is right or wrong. Every part of their experience is valid. Their body isn’t hidden away or concealed in shame–their body is their vessel for PLAY! For love! For Fun! For function. 

A child responds to their needs in a very matter of fact way. If they feel hungry, they get a snack! If they’ve had enough to eat, they push away the bottle or the spoon. If they’re tired, they find a place to rest. If they’re hot, they take off some clothing! It never crosses their mind to hide in shame. The child trusts every cold, scared, over-stimulated, confused, happy, experience knowing they’ll adapt as necessary.

It’s only as we grow older that we start to question our body’s reliability, and internalize harmful messages about its acceptability and safety.  Why does this happen? Where do these messages come from? 

A Body Trust approach to healing encourages us to look at these messages, examine where they came from, and decide which ones to keep or which harmful ones to shed.  We’re also encouraged to look at the messaging at the systemic or institutional level. Harmful messages about bodies may not feel like they directly impact us, but they harm others in our community which in turn harms us.
  
Maya Angelou said, ‘The truth is, no one of us can be free until everybody is free,’ and that rings true here.  If others in our community are being oppressed because of their body, or being told their body is wrong, that harms all of us. From children who are trying to get to know their own body to adults who are actively trying to accept their body and feel safe in it. Harmful messaging about bodies makes those who live in the body feeling unsafe, and those who have a different body scramble to avoid it. It divides us, both from one another, and from our own nature. ​

Getting Into Your Body (and out of your head!)

When we reconnect with our physical selves, there is so much knowing to be had. It means paying attention more to what our bodies tell us and less to all the noisy thoughts in our heads or what society tells us to think.

When we listen to our body, we can hear what we want to eat, how much we want to eat, what movement feels right and in what quantities, when rest is indicated, and more. Our wise body holds the answers that we seek when we are able to pause, listen, and trust. 

Kindness, Curiosity and Self-Compassion

Instead of judging or criticizing our bodies, Body Trust© reminds us to be kind and curious. It's about cultivating a compassionate relationship with ourselves, acknowledging that our bodies are deserving of love and respect. 
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As you consider a practice of resuming trust in your body, be patient. This is like re-learning a language that you stopped speaking a long time ago; parts of it may immediately feel familiar and comfortable while other parts will get tricky or trip you up from time to time. The key is compassion, and returning to try again.  

Learning to trust our bodies is a practice that we repeat over time, with patience and endurance. It’s a homecoming. It's about unlearning harmful beliefs and relearning how to care for ourselves with kindness and compassion.

In essence, Body Trust© is a radical act. It's about recognizing the inherent worthiness and wisdom of our bodies, honoring them, and treating everyone with the care and respect we all deserve. If you’re curious to learn more about the transformative power of this approach, join us for one of our upcoming Body Trust© workshops. Together, in community, we’ll navigate the process of returning to Body Trust©. ​