Comments on Body Image

The ways in which we view ourselves almost always illustrate a strong connection with how we view our bodies. They are the physical manifestations with which we encounter the real world. We each have only one body and that body, as far as I know, can never be exchanged for another. As such, who we see ourselves as can be seen in how we treat our bodies. For instance, some people believe they are too small in relation to everyone else. This form of dismorphia, commonly called “bigarexia” leads people to do anything from becoming avid bodybuilders to using steroids in an attempt to become “normal”. The ideals that we try to reach through makeup, clothing, changes in body composition and other modifications all stem from a desire to make our outside appearance exhibit what out inside dictates it should.

The battle between what we desire to be seen as and who we are is a difficult one as our perceptions run deep from within our subconscious. These aspects can not easily be pinpointed as we are not aware that they are even part of who we are. The most important thing to realize when it comes to body image and a person’s perception of themselves is that everything is relative; who we are, what we become and what we choose to believe are all things without absolute merit. Think hard on what is within you as that is the only way to see who you actually think you are.