Embodiment

Embodiment is what we experience when our mind and body are attuned or connected to each other. We are taking time to be mindful and perceive our bodies rather than making judgments about their appearances. 

Embodiment is important in eating disorder recovery (and hey, in general too!) because we are taking the time to re-connect with our bodies. Our bodies are incredibly wise and carry messages that can help us in our day-to-day activities. This, if we go into more clinical jargon, is called interoceptive awareness. We want to hone our interoceptive awareness because it helps us to get our needs met by listening to our body’s physical sensations.  

How do I start using interoceptive awareness, you may ask? You already are.  Interoceptive awareness is used to tell your body that you need to use the restroom or that you’re needing to get some sleep. It can come in the form of yawns, an overall heaviness, a full bladder.

 Each emotion that we have can also be paired to physical sensations in our bodies. It may be different for each person, so you will need to practice tuning in and getting curious about the messages your body is personally telling you.

Sometimes, this practice is straightforward and simple. You find yourself doing a little dance and your mind tells you to find the nearest restroom. Or maybe you notice that your jaw and fists are clenched, and you can assume you’re feeling rage. However, there are times that we have become disconnected to our bodies’ sensations.

Diet culture is a big culprit of this.  We are bombarded with rules of when to eat and how much to eat when our bodies have inner wisdom that can give us this information already. Think about it—Have you ever watched a toddler eat? They know exactly when they are hungry and when they are full. You may be thinking—

   Okay, Sarah, but if left to my own devices, I know I eat more than my body needs.

Or

   I think I’ve lost my hunger cues because I just don’t get hungry anymore.

 If that’s the case, you may need to re-learn how to eat intuitively again.  We were all born with this ability, but it’s common to get lost along the way. I’d love to provide you with some great resources to help with that.

Other culprits to becoming disconnected to our bodies include eating disorders and trauma.  It can be difficult and scary to reconnect. It makes sense that you may be wary of this practice if it feels like your body has betrayed you in some way. Evelyn Tribole, co-author of the evidenced-based book, Intuitive Eating, likens interoceptive awareness to a good friend knocking on your door to give you some information.  Our friend is saying,

“Hey!!! What’s up, bud! Get out here! I have news for you!!!”

Meanwhile, we’re saying,

“Go away. I don’t want to hear it.”

 I encourage you to talk more with a professional about ways to slowly practice interoceptive awareness, or embodiment, to help you get back in touch with your wise body and what it needs. When we are fully present in our minds and bodies, we can honor our bodies for the incredible vessels that they are and resist the urge to objectify or mistreat them.