Restoring Your Connection with Your Body
We all have a body—our constant companion throughout life. This body holds a vast archive of experiences, some joyful and uplifting, others painful and challenging. Befriending your body means cultivating a compassionate and nurturing relationship with it. It’s the only body you will ever have—the one you were born with, the one that carries you through every moment, and the one you’ll journey with until the end.
As we age, our bodies inevitably change, often in ways we’d rather avoid. Certain functions may decline, musculoskeletal pain may arise, and the reflection in the mirror might not align with how we feel inside. These changes can be difficult, both physically and emotionally, leading us to focus on what feels broken or imperfect. This perspective can stir up feelings of anger, grief, or even a sense of betrayal, creating a disconnect between ourselves and our bodies.
The poet Kabir offers a poignant reminder:
“Be strong then, and enter into your own body; there you have a solid place for your feet. Just throw away all thoughts of imaginary things and stand firm in that which you are.”
This wisdom invites us to ground ourselves in the reality of our bodies, however they may be, and to begin the process of healing by inhabiting them fully.
Reclaiming your relationship with your body starts with acceptance. This isn’t about resigning to decline; it’s about recognizing what is and embracing the opportunity to work with it. Befriending the body requires openness to what may be calling for healing—whether it’s recovery from surgery, coping with an illness, or releasing the lingering effects of past trauma. Trauma can manifest in myriad ways, including chronic pain, sleep disturbances, or other health issues. Exploring and addressing the root causes of these symptoms can help you find the right support and therapies for your unique needs.
Acceptance is the foundation of this journey. It means seeing things as they are, even when it’s hard to do so. Whether it’s grappling with a change in mobility, adjusting to a new physical limitation, or confronting a serious diagnosis, acceptance allows us to stop resisting reality. As the saying goes, “That which we resist, persists.” Resistance drains energy and increases suffering, while acceptance opens the door to self-care, growth, and peace.
Importantly, acceptance is not about giving up. It’s about acknowledging your current state while holding space for transformation. It’s about trusting that even as your body changes, those changes are impermanent. In embracing your aging body, you honor its resilience and rediscover the capacity to heal and thrive.