What is a Truly Beautiful Body?

There is no “supposed to be” in bodies. The question is not size of shape or years of age, or even having two of everything for some do not. But the wild issue is, does this body feel, does it have right connection to pleasure, to heart, to soul, to the wild? Does it have happiness, joy? Can it in its own way move, dance, jiggle, sway, thrust? Nothing else matters.
–Clarissa Pinkola Estes, from Women Who Run with the Wolves.

A few months ago, I talked with a friend whose husband had died after several grueling months battling a debilitating illness. She told me, “Before he got sick, I used to obsess about my thighs and the size of my stomach and all the rest of it. Now I just don’t. My perspective has changed.”

Find out what my friend has learned about what a truly beautiful body is–it will inspire you.

“It was so hard watching what my husband went through,” she said. “He was such a strong man, and it was terrible to see him so thin and weak. But the whole thing taught me so much. For one thing, instead of worrying that my thighs are too big, I’m just grateful I can walk. The size of my stomach doesn’t matter: I can eat and enjoy my food and digest it. I realized how crazy it is to think about all that other stuff when I have a body that functions. All our bodies are beautiful.”

Read more: Body Image, Health

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Roxanne N.

5:00PM PDT on Apr 29, 2012

Why does it always have to be an either or situation? What is wrong with making an effort to look good, stay in shape, keep your skin nice, etc? Does it mean that you are shallow and vain, and that your inner beauty isn't as good as someone who ignores their physical self? I really don't understand this logic. I am very grateful for my health, that my five senses work wonderfully, that I can walk and run, and I try to smile at all and send love through my heart. But I also exercise, eat very healthy, take care of my skin and horror of horrors--had my face lasered!!! Imagine that, toying with what the creator gave me. I also had my nose fixed when I was 18, one of the best things I ever did for myself.

I am a soul, a spirit, and my body is my temple. It is not who I am, it does not define me. But I want to look in the mirror and like what I see, so what is wrong with keeping it as I see fit? What is wrong with toned thighs and a flat stomach? Will my personality be more attractive if I'm flabby and wrinkled?

Of course some people are obsessed with their appearance to the point of distraction, but I would say that for most of us, we simply want to look pleasing to ourselves. And that is my right.

send a green star

Akay B.

9:24AM PDT on Mar 11, 2012

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J.L. A.

10:36AM PST on Feb 9, 2012

What a wonderful reminder to keep things in perspective.

Anne H.

7:00PM PST on Dec 5, 2011

It is important to be accepting of who we are physically but to be honest with ourselves and strive to be physically fit and healthy by medical standards. This is an investment in our physical and mental health.

Ignore anything other than your doctor (provided they are informed) and let media & vanity sizing know it is not acceptable. I know it is difficult to seperate size 20 but happy fr/ unhappy and needing to do something but with obesity and disease killing thousands I think we need to be a bit more realistic. Beauty is internal also but long term health & fitness is more important than beautry.

KS G.

3:21AM PDT on Nov 5, 2011

Thanks for the article.

8:30AM PST on Mar 7, 2011

forgive me ... I have little time, so I have just come to gather some points for the animals ...

Jeanette B.

11:53PM PST on Jan 17, 2011

Real beauty is in our hearts but is visible when we have a smile on our face and when we are caring and compassionate to others.

Stephanie I.

6:12PM PST on Jan 10, 2011

Thanks!

Neut M.