It is interesting how sometimes we remember random things that people have said to us in life. One of the memories I have is of me sitting on a bench in a public place with my grandmother. She was telling me how fun it was to just sit and watch people. “Short ones, tall ones, fat ones, skinny ones, black ones, white ones. Just watch.” For some reason those words have stayed with me and I think of them often.

Last year while spending time walking through the trees I began to reflect on the size of the trees. There are a variety of species. Some are tall, short, round, thin, old, young, alive and dying. Do they compare themselves to each other? We can learn so many lessons from nature if we will be still and just listen, observe and reflect. Why is it that humans find this need to compare ourselves to each other? Why can we not just simply be as the trees, plants and animals?

Our body is a vessel for ’something’ much greater. Can you love and honor your body regardless of the size, color, age or whatever? I enjoyed listening to Eve Ensler’s book The Good Body as she speaks with different women about their bodies. There is an African woman that Eve talks with about her ‘boody.’ I absolutely love the response that the African woman gives her. She was a very wise woman. If you don’t mind listening to some straight forward, hardcore language it is definitely worth a listen to by the way.

When we look at most magazines, advertisements, celebrities, television or society there is an image of ‘perfect’ that is set in our consciousness. Why do we keep supporting this? We are ALL beautiful in our own way. We are all unique and if we weren’t then we wouldn’t be our Self. The universe is a creative one. So, why on earth should we be cookie cutter people?

Diversity is beautiful. If labels must be used…short, tall, fat, skinny, African, Asian, Indian, European, young, old, poor, rich, dressed in style or not…love and honor your body. You can honor your body in many ways and only you know what is best. Simply allow yourself to be You. Things are always changing. Just as the seasons change so do we.

We can love and honor our body no matter where we are along the journey or who we are. Here are a few ways to get you started:

Spend some quiet and contemplative time in nature.

Look at the trees or plants and reflect.

Nourish your body with whole foods.

Not comparing yourself to others.

Being true to yourself and not worrying about what others think.

Dressing in your own way.

Grey hair is beautiful…go natural and allow your wisdom to shine.

Enjoy a long warm bath, candles and some herb tea.

Enjoy a massage or special treatment.

When standing in front of the mirror, without judgement recognize and speak to your body about all that is beautiful.

Adorn a certain part of your body that you have not honored with jewelry, body art, clothing or a special gift to show appreciation.

Change your beliefs.

Think for yourself.

Support companies that value diversity. Whether it be age, race, size or ?

Remove yourself from an abusive relationship.

Do something that you have always wanted to.

Be creative in ways that you nourish your body. When you are walking down the street, people watching or at work maybe you will look at the beauty that goes much deeper. By loving and honoring the body may you be an example and an encourager to others. Have gratitude for the body that travels through the journey of life.

May we reflect on the words that stay with us through the years ‘for some reason’ and give thanks as well. Love and honor your body whether it is a short one, tall one, fat one, skinny one, black one, white one…no matter what.

Lisa R. Marshall is the facilitator of Path to Nature…honoring life through whole health, natural living, herbal healing, sacred celebrations & journeys. She is also a mother & doula. Lisa is a facilitator to those who want to make changes in their lives. Please visit http://www.Pathtonature.org for further information or to contact the author.