Seeing the Body as a Whole: Cultivating Awareness
The truth is, the body performs extraordinary feats every day. Our human life is supported by 12 intricate systems working in harmony to sustain life. Within these systems, 78 organs function in perfect synchrony. When you think about it, this intricate design feels nothing short of miraculous. Yet, we often take these daily miracles for granted, rarely stopping to appreciate them—unless something goes wrong.
Cultivating a broader awareness of the body as a whole can significantly enhance our well-being. Taking a step back to recognize and appreciate the interconnected systems that keep us alive may feel unfamiliar at first, but with time, this perspective can inspire awe and gratitude.
This broader focus can also shift attention away from pain or problems in a single area. When dealing with physical pain, it’s easy to let it dominate our daily experience, reducing our perception of ourselves to the pain alone. Pain becomes the measure of our day. However, it’s important to remember that pain is just one part of a much larger, more complex whole.
If you’re living with chronic pain, you might find a mindfulness practice like the body scan meditation helpful. This practice invites you to explore each part of your body with curiosity and openness, fostering a connection between body and mind that promotes overall well-being. I encourage you to try my Body Check-In Meditation, which is available in the episode notes.
Appreciating your body as a whole also means recognizing what’s working well and acknowledging what you like about your physical self. Take a quiet moment to reflect on aspects of your body that you’re grateful for. Perhaps your digestive system functions well, you have strong legs, or your vision is clear. Regardless of limitations, there’s always something to appreciate.
We’ve grown up hearing phrases like “age is just a number” or “you’re only as old as you feel.” While it’s true that age is simply math, embracing our age is an act of self-acceptance. At 62, I practice owning my age as part of befriending my body. I see no benefit in hiding or denying it. Instead, I choose to celebrate it, hoping to model a more positive perspective on aging and help dismantle ageism.
Loving your aging body involves looking in the mirror and making peace with what you see. Some days, it’s easier—perhaps after getting your hair done or taking extra time with your appearance. Other days, it’s harder, like when a new wrinkle appears or after a restless night. On those tougher days, self-compassion and positive self-talk can help. I remind myself to see beyond the surface to the bigger picture: I am still here! My goal remains to make the most of the time I have and to uplift others along the way.
It’s true that our energy and vitality fluctuate. A good night’s sleep, nourishing food, meaningful connections, physical activity, and stress levels all affect how we feel. Some days, I feel vibrant and youthful; other days, I feel my age or beyond.
Loving our aging bodies means honoring what our bodies are capable of on any given day. It’s about adapting to what the body needs rather than pushing through based on a rigid to-do list or unrealistic expectations.
Our bodies are incredibly intelligent, constantly sending us messages through sensations like hunger, fullness, warmth, tightness, or fatigue. By tuning in to these signals, we can respond with care and make choices that support our well-being. Learning to listen to and trust your body is a powerful step toward embracing its wisdom and living in harmony with it.