My last blog addressed the topic of a self-hate attack—a sudden, intense mental episode of self-condemnation. Alternatively (or in addition) self-hatred may be expressed through the body in a variety of ways and for a variety of reasons. (For more detail, please refer to my blog of June 1).
Picking
up on the theme of self hatred, the same kind of self-loathing can be expressed
through bodily abuse. One
of the most common manifestations of body-directed self-hatred is addiction,
such as drinking, smoking, and eating disorders, common methods that numb our negative feelings, and in addition to causing harm to our bodies may also prevent us from tackling underlying problems.
Dr.
Allen Berger, author of 12 Stupid Things that Mess Up Recovery focuses on Dr.
Karen Horney’s theory of the idealized image as the source of self-hatred
underlying many addictions and the need to replace hate with compassion.
Ms.
K. punished her body by overeating and under-exercising. As a child people
compared her to her beautiful mother. Most likely unaware of their cruelty and
the negative impact of their words, friends said to her, “Too bad you got your
father’s big nose instead of your mother’s good looks.” Recovering this past memory helped her understand and transcend the intense feelings of self contempt.
The
body is our most valuable possession so it behooves us to uncover the sources
for self-contempt in order to replace it with compassion and acceptance.
The
mnemonic DESERVE reminds us of benefits that accrue when we treat our bodies
with respect.
D
=Delight
E=Energy
S=Service-a
healthy body serves us well
R=Reserve
with energy and ability to enjoy
V=Verve
enthusiasm, and vigor
E=Enthusiasm,
enjoyment, joy in Movement
Conclusion:
Self-hatred lies at the source of many addictions and the subsequent abuse of our bodies. We
reap the rewards of good health when we replace hatred with compassion and
treat the body as our most important asset.
Dear
Reader, I welcome your thoughts.jsimon145@gmail.com
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