This year, I’m using the Present Over Perfect Guided Journal. I read Shauna Neiquist’s Present Over Perfect book when it came out a few years ago and so much of it just connected with me. When I saw she had created a journal, I knew it was right for this season of my life. The journal has small excerpts from the book and prompts to help you think, reflect, and write. I’ll be sharing some of the prompts and my responses.
Prompt (pg. 140): What does it look like to practice hospitality to your own body? …How can you practice hospitality to your feelings about your body?
This is an interesting question. I suppose it starts with me actually recognizing and giving notice to the feelings. Naming them and feeling them. Paying attention.
Paying attention to and naming my body feelings would be a HUGE first step. Giving them space and time and honoring what they bring to me.
Then giving my body what it needs to be ok. Good nutrition. Kind movement. Stretching and care.
Care. I can care for my body. I can fully inhabit my body.
And I can be ok too.
Rev. Kris Mares 