Alright, friends, let's get real for a moment. When was the last time you took a good, long look at yourself in the mirror...in your birthday suit? I’m talking about a full, honest inspection, not just a glance while rushing to get dressed. If the thought makes you cringe, you’re not alone. But stick with me—there's a lot to gain from this little exercise.

Naked and Afraid... Or Naked and Empowered?

First, let's tackle the elephant in the room (or maybe just the fabulous curves). Society has this bizarre way of making us feel uncomfortable in our own skin. Yet, learning to appreciate the skin we're in—every stretch mark, every curve, every dimple—can be incredibly empowering. Looking at ourselves naked isn’t just about vanity; it's about connection and gratitude.

Up until a few years ago I never looked at myself in the mirror for long, let alone without clothes on. I said goodbye to long stares in the mirror starting in my teenage years, when I had horrible, cystic acne on my face and neck. Who wanted to look at that?!

It wasn’t until I began my yoga practice and connected to my body as an adult in my 30’s that I even risked taking a longer look.

Sound familiar?

Gratitude: The Naked Truth

Here’s a little exercise: stand in front of the mirror and pick out three things you like about your body. Maybe it’s your strong legs that carry you through every yoga class or on every run, or your arms that can hug your loved ones tightly. This simple practice can shift your mindset from one of criticism to one of gratitude. And guess what? Gratitude is a powerful freaking tool. It lowers stress, improves sleep, and enhances overall well-being. So, it’s even more important to be able to take a moment and be thankful for this amazing vessel that carries you through life.

Hello, Body Connection!

Looking at ourselves naked helps us connect with our body on a deeper level.

As a yoga teacher, I can tell you that body awareness is key to both physical and mental health. I can also tell you when I began practicing yoga, I was one of the students who had zero body awareness, ZERO! Often times I had to pause before figuring out where my right and left side was (and if you’ve taken a class with me, you know I still mess that up from time to time!).

Here is the thing: when we are fully aware of our body, we are more in tune with what it needs.

That nagging pain in your shoulder? You’ll catch it before it turns into something serious. Feeling sluggish? Maybe it’s time for a nourishing meal or a gentle yoga session. This mind/ connection fosters a deeper understanding and respect for your body’s signals.

 Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Who’s Losing Weight After All?

Now, let’s talk about the bonus side effect: weight loss. No, you’re not going to drop pounds just by staring at yourself in the mirror (if only it were that easy). But, when we regularly check in with our naked self, we become more conscious of our body. This awareness can lead to healthier choices. Maybe you’ll notice your posture and decide to stand a little straighter, engage your core, or choose a more nutrient-dense snack.

This is a tool I used when I was working on losing my final 5 pounds. Yep – those annoying, evasive 5 pounds that almost every woman will tell you they want to lose, I lost them by looking at myself naked. And not just looking at myself, I put my hands on my body and focused on radiating positivity. Instead of grabbing that little flap of skin under my arm and getting frustrated, I would flex my bicep and run my other hand over it, or place my hands on my tummy (my forever trouble spot) and think about how lucky I was to be able to fill it each day with nourishing foods.

It sounds cheesy, but it worked.

I did it with love. Similar to the exercise above, I looked at myself and focused on the areas that I was proud of, or that I really loved. I created a connection that stuck with me; and the ripple effects were that I was more likely to move more and make healthier food choices.

Most importantly, I stopped rolling my eyes and saying words like, ick, gross, and ugh.

Loving and respecting our body as it is can inspire us to treat it better. When we appreciate what we see, we’re more likely to want to nourish it with good food, move it in ways that feel good, and rest when needed. It’s a holistic approach to weight management that’s more sustainable—and kinder—than any fad diet.

A Few Tips for Getting Started:

1. Start Small: If the thought of a full-body inspection is overwhelming, start with one area. Appreciate your hands for their dexterity or your feet for their strength in keeping you upright.

2. Positive Affirmations: Pair your mirror time with positive affirmations. I love the simple ones: “I am strong.” “I am beautiful.” “I am worthy.”

3. Create a Ritual: Make it a regular practice. Maybe it’s part of your morning routine or a nightly ritual. I always like to do it before or after a shower.

4. Celebrate Progress: Notice changes over time and celebrate them. Maybe your skin looks more radiant, or you’ve built muscle tone in your arms. You won’t notice if you don’t look.

 Final Thoughts

So, what do you think? Is it time to strip away our insecurities and embrace our naked truth!? To take our power back?

Your body is a temple, and it deserves to be admired and appreciated. So, next time you step out of the shower, pause for a moment, take a deep breath, and look at the amazing person in the mirror. With a little gratitude, a lot of love, and a dash of humor, you might just find that looking at yourself naked is the best thing you can do for your mind, body, and soul.

Now go ahead, strike a pose, and give yourself a wink. You’ve got this!