October 17, 2007
Fabulous Finds: "Soleful" Purpose Lovin' You...No, Lovin' Me!
by Heather Strang
It's my thighs. No, it's my jiggly triceps. I just can't decide which body part I dislike most. But, lately, I've grown tired of hating myself. How about you? Luckily, someone is looking out for us. The lovely ladies at the National Organization for Women (NOW), one of the largest women-focused non-profit organizations in the US, has deemed October 18th (as in tomorrow) Love Your Body Day. Now, we have a day meant simply for loving our beautiful bodies. What's better than that?! In the spirit of a very well-known late night TV host, here are our top 10 ways you can consciously celebrate this momentous day.
Number 10 - Get Touched
Let a perfect stranger pamper you into bliss with a massage and make you feel truly gorgeous. The American Massage Therapy Association has an easy to use massage therapist finder. Click here to find a therapist in your area.
Number 9 - Stretch It Out
You'll be amazed and impressed with your body after a yoga session. Even better, you'll walk out of class feeling taller and great about yourself. The Yoga Alliance allows you to narrow your search to the type of yoga you want for your specific area. Click here to find the yoga class that’s right for you.
Number 8 - Throw a Party!
Invite all of the incredible ladies you know for a Love Your Body party. Serve 
organic foods and ask all who attend to wear an outfit that makes them feel fabulous. The Organic Consumer Association provides complete information on locating organic foods and other goodies. Click here to find places to buy organic food near you.
Number 7 - Pamper your Skin
Skin is your largest organ, so why not slather it in luxurious natural skincare products? Replace all of your lotions, makeup and shampoo (after all, hair is important too) with organic options. Two of my faves are Kiss My Face (www.kissmyface.com) and Jason Natural Products (www.jason-natural.com).
Number 6 - Love Your Clothes
When you feel amazing, it shows. Since studies indicate that we only wear 20% of our wardrobe anyway, why not weed out what doesn't make you feel wonderful and wear only what does? Donate your old clothes to Dress for Success (www.dressforsuccess.org) or Goodwill (www.goodwill.org). Then, replace with hemp or organic cotton products, like you’ll find at Rawganique (www.rawganique.com).
Number 5 - Jam to Music That Moves You
Tired of negative stereotyping in music? Me too! Tune into artists who get what this glorious life is all about and make you feel good about being you. Last.FM is a perfect option for soothing your soul. Click here to check out their conscious music playlist.
Number 4 - Feed Your Body Food It Loves
Clean out your fridge and bring yummy, good-for-you foods into your life. Shop online and have the food delivered right to your doorstep, courtesy of services like Wellness Grocer (www.wellnessgrocer.com).
Number 3 - Practice Your Passion
Always wanted to take that gardening class or learn how to transform your home into an eco-friendly haven? Get creative and reconnect with yourself. Conscious hobbies include: feng shui, knitting, gardening and painting, to name a few. Or check out the book, Recycle: Make Your Own Eco-Friendly and Creative Designs - Over 60 Projects for Home and Garden by Moira & Nicholas Hankinson, which shows you how to design anything in your home in an environmentally friendly way. Click here to go to Amazon.com to check out the book.
Number 2 - Take Time for YOU
Turn off your cell phone, computer and iPod and take a day just for you. Drive to the beach, read all day, take a mid-day nap, connect with nature. Do what you love and watch as your love for self expands.
And….the Number One way to consciously celebrate Love Your Body Day is…drum roll…
Number 1 - Get Naked!
It costs you nothing and won't negatively impact the environment in any way, shape or form. Stand naked in front of a full-length mirror and name all of the things about your body that you LOVE. Doing this can transform your love of self. See your true beauty and make every day Love Your Body Day!
For more information from NOW on Love Your Body Day, click here.
