Are You Racist?

Oooo. I know. Such a controversial topic.

Now that I’ve got your attention (and before you get your feathers all ruffled), I ask that you read this entire article. Its contents may surprise you.

What is racism?

a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one’s own race is superior and has the right to rule others.

Basically, racism is looking at someone else and judging them as less than based on their skin color.

Today racism isn’t as prominent as days of the past…or is it?

I have a feeling many of you judge something based on it’s looks and consider it less than. And, that thing is your body.

We look in the mirror and see fat, wrinkles, stretch marks, cellulite, acne, scars, body hair and immediately judge our bodies as less than. By doing that, we are actively discriminating against ourselves and contributing to the energy of intolerance. (Click to tweet.)

In other words, we allow an outside influence block us from the amazing gift that is our body.

Often times we allow our differences to keep us from intimacy—from actually getting to know someone or something. Their culture, religion, sexual orientation, age, etc. is foreign and unknown to us so we put up a wall of protection.

We put a metaphorical ‘stop’ hand instead of an ‘invite’ hand out. One is closed, protected. The other is open, vulnerable.

I think this is a sort of survival mechanism extended by our Ego, designed to “keep us safe.” When in actuality all it does is keep us small and isolated.

Maybe you’ve gotten to know someone you weren’t so sure of initially because they were different, and, ultimately discovered how amazing and similar they really are.

This is exactly what will happen when you start to get to know your body. When you stop judging the outside and start getting to know the inside. You’ll discover all the magical gifts she has in store for you. Everything from your senses to your feelings to your breath.

These are all incredible miracles when we are fully present to experiencing them. But there is no way we can be fully present to experiencing them if we have a judgment in the way.

So, today, I invite you to explore this concept. To look beyond the fat, wrinkles, stretch marks, cellulite, acne, scars, and body hair and see what else is there. What gem is waiting for you. Imagine how good your body will feel to be fully seen without judgment… for the first time in probably a long time.

In the comments below, share your experience. Is this an easy task or difficult one for you? What are your thoughts about this concept? Are you able to move beyond the external shell to see the beauty that’s there?

Something that may support you is to see yourself as a young child. That little girl is still is still in there. Maybe relating to your body as that young, sweet child will help you have a glimpse of the beauty you possess.

With Loving,
Amber