Become friends with your body again in 5 steps

When you think about it, your body is the only companion that accompanies you from beginning to end. And yet, we have learned to denigrate it, push it to its limits, and want it to be different…

We almost forget that without it, we couldn't savor a still-warm croissant, the kisses of a loved one, or enjoy ourselves with Coco . This connection, sometimes overlooked, is nevertheless essential for cultivating unwavering self-confidence , enjoying our everyday lives, and celebrating our strength.

At Puissante, we wanted to create a practical guide to help you reconnect with your body and finally fully enjoy everything it has to offer. Here's our program to feel good in your own skin! 

Step 1: Becoming aware of your body

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, our minds tend to dominate our thoughts, relegating the body to the background. Remembering to make a dentist appointment, worrying about how our colleague might have interpreted something said last week, running errands, finding time to exercise, and so on. The mental and emotional load is sometimes so heavy that we forget what's truly important.

The body then accumulates tension. Hello clenched jaw, tense shoulders and recurring stiff necks.

The very first step to making friends with your body again is remembering that it's there. Returning to the physical not only allows us to step out of the grand theater of our thoughts, but it also reconnects us directly to the present moment.

And that feels incredibly good.

In practice, how do we do it?

• yoga,

• intuitive dance,

• Tai Chi,

• walking mindfully,

• Guided meditation and body scan,

• breathing exercises

• to focus on what one sees, smells, feels and touches.

Movement is an excellent way to reconnect with your body . Don't be afraid to try different activities to find what suits you best. Perhaps swimming or qigong will be more appropriate practices for you. Dare to explore! 

Step 2: Challenging body-related injunctions

Social pressure on our bodies is everywhere : advertising, the media, beauty standards promoted on social media, and so on. We are bombarded with unrealistic beauty ideals, weight standards, and body shapes and skin tones that are difficult to conform to. A lovely daily cocktail to subtly reinforce our insecurities and complexes , isn't it?

Practicing self-compassion involves education and challenging the injunctions that hinder our well-being.

First, let's question these norms and highlight their arbitrary and often unjust nature. Works like Mona Chollet's Fatal Beauty or Kari Molvar's The Evolution of Beauty offer us avenues for reflection on our relationship with the body.

These readings are a first step in reminding us that this pressure does not belong to us . If we do not give it credence, it is not real.

To take this a step further, we encourage you to actively support initiatives that celebrate body diversity and self-acceptance. And yes, self-compassion can also be cultivated by shifting perspectives within the collective!

Let's demand more realistic and diverse representation in the media. Let's support cultural initiatives that celebrate beauty in all its forms and encourage an inclusive discourse on femininity that highlights the strength, diversity, and uniqueness of every woman.

Step 3: Explore your sensuality

Sensuality, that vibrant energy that resides within each of us, can be buried beneath layers of social expectations and daily routines. It's like the gateway to our inner garden, the garden of poetry and sexuality.

Pamper yourself by exploring each sense: treat yourself to a relaxing bath with scented oils, savor moments of enchanting music, or discover new textures and sensations through massages or sensory explorations .

Why not surround yourself with artwork, literature, music, or films that celebrate beauty, power, and sensuality? You'll find plenty of gems on Etsy to decorate your home, and sites like Sens Critique or Goodreads to explore sensuality in art. Create a collection of references to draw from when you're lacking inspiration.

To delve deeper into the subject, we have prepared a complete article for you to discover or rediscover your own definition of sensuality.

Finally, sensuality is synonymous with eroticism. Yes, eroticism isn't necessarily limited to sexual activity with a partner . Explore your own erotic personality by discovering your erogenous zones with the help of Toupie . Indulge yourself and learn to appreciate every part of yourself without external pressure or expectations.

Step 4: Enjoy what it allows us to accomplish

The body is much more than a faithful companion; it is a vessel that allows us to experience life.

Let us take a moment to give thanks for what it offers us. Let us celebrate those moments when it carries us towards joy and pleasure, and when our senses allow us to discover the beauty of the world around us.

Just as a reminder, here is a non-exhaustive list of the extraordinary things it allows us to do:

1. The sensations
   It allows us to feel caresses , intense emotions, passionate kisses, the touch of a hug. It gives us the ability to feel the warmth of the sun on our skin and the coolness of a light breeze.

2. Mobility
   Thanks to our bodies, we walk, run, jump, dance, and express ourselves. They allow us to move, travel kilometers, and feel free and active.

3. The taste
   Our body offers us the pleasure of savoring delicious meals, discovering new flavors, and experiencing the satisfaction of a comforting meal. It transforms food into energy, allowing us to live life to the fullest.

4. The view
   Our eyes open us to the world, allowing us to admire breathtaking landscapes, contemplate art, and read captivating stories. They capture the beauty that surrounds us.

5. Hearing
   Our ears capture the melodious sounds of music, allow us to listen to inspiring conversations, and enjoy the laughter and comforting words of our loved ones.

6. Creativity
   Our body is an instrument for artistic expression: it draws, paints, sculpts, sings, dances, writes. It is the vehicle of our creativity.

7. Pleasure

Our bodies offer us the opportunity to explore sensuality, pleasure, and intimacy, thus creating special bonds with our partners.

8. Sleep
   It allows us to rest, to dream, to recharge our batteries to face each day with energy and vitality.

Now it's your turn to create a personalized list of all the little things your body has allowed you to experience these past few weeks. Would you have been able to enjoy that Italian ice cream, have fun with your partner , or go hiking with your girlfriends without him?

Step 5: Aim for greater autonomy

As in any relationship, to learn to love another person, you need to take the time to get to know them. It's the same with our bodies. It's time to understand how they work and their specific characteristics.

Don't panic, no medical degree is required for this step. The winning combination: education and observation.

The cyclical nature of our hormones is an excellent starting point for investigating the connection between the body, emotions, and thoughts. Delving into the fascinating world of sexual and reproductive health is key to reconnecting with your body.

Seek out reliable resources such as Planned Parenthood or books dedicated to the female body. This will help you understand hormonal cycles, fertility, and overall sexual health .

At the same time, tracking your menstrual cycle via specialized apps or a journal promotes a better understanding of your needs day after day.

Once you get into the habit of observing your symptoms, you'll instinctively understand the physical and emotional signals . This will allow you to take care of him and pamper him as he deserves. Giving him the attention he deserves is a beautiful expression of love, isn't it?

Reconnecting with your body is like reconnecting with an old friend: it takes time, attention, and above all, a lot of love. We hope these few steps will gradually guide you toward a fulfilling relationship with yourself. Remember, it's not a race.

Take the time to listen to yourself, to love yourself, and to get to know this incredible wonder that is your body. To continue taking care of your body, we recommend this article dedicated to daily self-care practices.