Body Neutrality and Acceptance Over Body Positivity
As modern times continue to become more modern times, the movement for body acceptance continues to grow.
Though not all movements are created equal. Body positivity is a term that has gained a lot of traction over the last decade. Wikipedia defines body positivity as, “a social movement initially created to empower and shed light on plus size women and men, while challenging the ways in which society presents and views the physical body. The movement advocates the acceptance of all bodies regardless of physical ability, size, gender, race, or appearance.” Though through time and exploration it has become evident that body positivity might not be as inclusive as we once thought. Body positivity essentially says that people should feel positive about their body’s, all parts, and all days.
In theory, it is a beautiful idea. Although very unrealistic for many people. That is where body neutrality and body acceptance come into play.
In theory, it is a beautiful idea. Although very unrealistic for many people. That is where body neutrality and body acceptance come into play.
To be neutral with your body. “I am okay with my body.” Or to be accepting of your body. “I might not like my body every day but I accept it for what it is.” Are much more agreeable pursuits for many people. For a therapist to ask someone who ‘hates’ their body to begin working on body positivity or loving their body, it might be too big of an ask. That is why starting off with body neutrality and body acceptance are oftentimes more compassionate approaches.
Body neutrality puts more emphasis on how your body makes you feel. The difference here is, “my body allows me to go on walks.”
Body neutrality puts more emphasis on how your body makes you feel. The difference here is, “my body allows me to go on walks.”
Body neutrality and acceptance also welcomes that there might be days when you feel more insecure with your body than others. Rather than fighting the thoughts or trying to turn them to the positive you simply acknowledge that, “even though there are things I would like to be different about my body, I am willing to accept it for how it is today.”
Can you feel the difference when you say those differing approaches to yourself?
Find liberation in body neutrality. You do not need to reach body positivity to have a healthy relationship with your body. If you can get there, great. If you can’t there are other ways too! You can have a healthy relationship with your body by simply accepting it for whatever it is one day at a time. This requires a degree of mindfulness to understand and pay attention to your relationship with your body on any given day but through acceptance and mindfulness you can redevelop the relationship that you have with your body and yourself.
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-Ellie