Embracing Willendorf: A Witch's Way of Loving Your Body to Health and Fitness

by H. Byron Ballard

This is a saga both serious and ridiculous of how the author came to love her body and listen to it, even when it whispered nonsensical things. Embracing A Witch’s Way of Loving Your Body to Health and Fitness is a kind of memoir, a story of walking and pondering, of thongs and tight Levis. And it is about transformation. About choosing to be healthier and achieving that through a wonderfully simple idea—that when we love our bodies, we will do what we need to do to nourish these exquisite and beautiful machines. Try out the tasty and healthy recipes in the back, then pick up a few rather naughty books from the suggested reading list. Because once you start loving your body, all sorts of interesting opportunities may present themselves. This book is your personal recipe with the ingredients for living a rich and vibrant life—and perhaps discovering your true self in the process. Embrace your life and your strong physical self. Embrace your Willendorf.

Genres: Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

Published April 13, 2017

Reviews

[Kylie Shattuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not to be dramatic, but this book is life changing; if only in the way reading this book will carve out dedicated time to contemplate your relationship with your body, food, clothes, weight, and the influence of capitalism on our body image.
Anyone who struggles with any aspect of their body (aka everyone) should read this book. The author is such a beautiful poet and her words are full of love. Bonus points for an Asheville native author 🌲

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed this book.

As a witchy woman, I have rather an opposite experience to the author to a point: I was always curvy but skinny. In just the past few years, medical conditions affecting hormones made me gain a LOT. I've felt ugly and not like myself at all. I was active and eating healthy when this occurred, and it took over a year and a half before doctors figured out what was happening. In that time, I'd come to hate my body.

I already hated it previously, dealing with several lifelong chronic conditions from an early age. It always fought me and what I wanted to do. But at least I liked my appearance.

This book is not a specific diet or exercise plan. It's about listening to your body, falling back in love with your body, wherever you're at in your weight journey.

I NEEDED this book right now. I've an uphill battle and maybe I won't hit goals I want, but I'm done with hating my body for something out of my/its control.

[Tracy Blanchard · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me. DNF