How a simple mantra transformed my body image perception

Creating a mantra is a powerful technique to use during any times of struggle you may be having and to recognize how you would feel once you get through it.

How a simple mantra completely transformed my perception

When I was struggling emotionally with the weight I gained after battling years of adrenal fatigue and elevated levels of cortisol I went through a stage of depression. I felt completely deflated. Even though I ate a pure plant based diet, exercised regularly, had a daily meditation practice and strong support system in place at home I wasn’t able to shed the extra 15 lbs I was carrying around.

I started to hear whispers of frustration inside my head. Negative Nellie was up to her old tricks. My inner story was negative, there were very little uplifting or empowering thoughts between my 2 ears. The same sad song and dance of self-belittling, self-bullying and passing judgment on myself almost broke me.

It was all in my head. No-one knew I was suffering inside, or that I was secretly beating myself up over how I looked. I still received compliments on my appearance but inside I’d hear that voice inside my head say, “if only my tummy wasn’t so bloated”, “I wish I still fit in my size 25 jeans”, or “thank you, but you are only being nice to try and make me feel better”.

I wish I had my mantra practice then to remind me to stop being so hard on myself.

These are the words I now repeat to myself.

I accept myself just as I am.

My beauty radiates from the inside out.

I am beautiful just as I am.

It took time for me to acknowledge I was no longer the person I was in my 20’s or my 30’s. And even longer to be happy with the body I have today.

In my 20’s I was able to work 18 hour days for a week straight on a movie set and then stay up all night with my daughter while she was having seizures. Not now. My body needs 8 hours of sleep so I can fully function the next day.

During my 30’s I could survive on green juice, a kale salad and snack on apples with almond butter. Not now. My body said needs a fully balanced meal with a wide variety of fruits and veggies. Less nuts and seeds and more fibre.

I’ve finally accepted what my body needs to feel vibrant and energized. The funny thing is I knew it all along.

Now well into my 40’s, I’ve finally accepted what my body needs to feel vibrant and energized. The funny thing is I knew it all along. I just got sucked into what “society” thought was trendy.

Even though I’ve followed a 100% plant based diet since I was 13, I still got sucked into the trends. I went through a heavy fat stage, where I added MCT oil to my morning matcha. I added extra avocado to my green smoothies just to increase my fat content, I limited grains and cut way back on fruit.

This was the time when I was battling SIBO, my gut could not handle the extra fat I was feeding it, and I ended up with severe gut dysbiosis. During my time of healing I relied on mantras to get me through my days.

An important part of my morning routine is to massage each part of my body with my decadent homemade body cream saying I love you over and over again. I love you feet. I love you legs. I love you tush. I love you tummy. I love you breasts. I love you arms. I love you shoulders.

These simple words that completely transformed how I saw my body. I no longer passed judgment on any dimples on my thighs, or the softness of my tummy. As my body went through it’s healing process I could feel the changes of my body as I massaged each area. I felt less bloating in my stomach. I noticed by breasts start to shrink and most importantly my skin was softer, less dry and blotchy.

What is a mantra?

A mantra is a sound, word or phrase you repeat and is often used during meditation or praying.

What is an affirmation?

Affirmations are positive statements that are not necessarily repeated. They can be used to help overcome self-sabotaging and negative thoughts.

Both Mantras and Affirmations are positive techniques to use in times of stress to uplift, soothe, encourage and be the gentle nudge you need to come back to your best self.

How to create your own mantra

Get out a piece of paper, and after each prompt, write down you answer.

Steps to create your own mantra

What do you need support with right now? What would you like to change about your emotional state around this?
- example: I would like to work out 5 times a week, but don’t seem to find the time to commit. I’d like to set myself up for success to make this happen.
What is something positive you believe about this goal, yet you find difficulty committing?
- example: I feel so much better about myself after I’ve had a workout. I love the way I’m energized and able to sleep so much better. I just need to carve out time each week to make this happen.
What is one or more positive thing(s) you can say about this struggle?
- example: I work hard and deserve me time each week. I deserve this time to regroup, destress and nurture my mind, body and spirit. I will do whatever it takes to commit to carving out this time.
How do you feel knowing you have commited to this struggle?
- example: empowered, relaxed, happy, energized, de-stressed
Take the last 2 questions and narrow down your responses to just a few words.
- example: I deserve to feel de-stressed and happy

Once you’ve created a phrase or two that seems true to you and empowers you; write it down. Repeat it often when you need a gentle nudge.

Some of my favourite simple but powerful mantras or affirmations

This too shall pass

I am love

I choose happy

I choose to nourish my mind, body and spirit

I am enough

I release what no longer serves me

I’d love to know if mantras work for you! I’d love you to pin it on Pinterest or share it on Facebook. Post on Instagram. (tag me @achampagneyogi, #achampagneyogi I can’t wait to hear your thoughts)!

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