The Wisdom of Your Body: Finding Healing, Wholeness, and Connection through Embodied Living

by Hillary L. McBride

Another example of physical corseting is the expectation that as we age, we become more “mature,” which is often code for physically restricted and sedentary.

Mental freedom shows up in three ways: (1) the ability to challenge societal ideas about the body, (2) the ability to challenge rigid gender stereotypes, and (3) the ability to freely express ourselves. Mental freedom also includes the ability to passionately engage with parts of the self that have nothing to do with appearance.

To increase our physical freedom, Piran suggests (1) engaging in physical activity that feels free, expansive, and unrestricted by appearance standards; (2) existing in spaces where our bodies are safe; (3) tuning in to ourselves and providing self-care; and (4) connecting pleasurably to our desires.