When you view your body as a temple, you honor and hold it sacred. When you feel sacred and honored, you feel good about yourself. And when you feel good, you're more able to experience your fullest sexual pleasure.

Today we live in ever-increasing “busy-ness.” The thing we all want more of is time, and the demands on your time are much different than they were even in your parents' generation. In general, commutes are longer, school events are more common, and two-income households are the norm rather than the exception. Adults will often put themselves last on a list of the things that must be done in a day. There are the children and the jobs, dinner, offices, laundry, and so much more — the list goes on and on. But who's taking care of the caretaker? You must take care of yourself, or you won't be able to care for anyone else. As the caretaker, you are relied upon, so you must take care of yourself.

Here's a hint about time: It all comes down to priorities. There is time for the things you really value when you schedule them in. You put meetings, project dates, social events, work, and your favorite TV show on your calendar, so why not schedule time for a long, sensual bath? Value yourself as you value these other things. Plan time for yourself and put it on your schedule. Soon it will get to be a habit.

Do some stretching or yoga. Give your feet a little attention. After all, they are your foundation. Give them a pedicure or massage them. Find something for yourself that is a treat and make time for it. Everyone in your life will be happier you did.

Try Another Body Image Exercise

Find an hour to yourself, a time when you'll have quiet and peace. Take a shower or a bath. Wash yourself lovingly and really feel your skin on your thighs, your chest, your buttocks, and your face. Let your fingertips move slowly and lightly over your skin. Your fingers should be enjoying the touch of your own body. Towel-dry and put on a soft robe.

Go into the room that has the largest mirror in your home and do the following:

• Gaze softly into the reflection of your eyes for a few moments. (This may seem difficult or awkward, but don't be afraid to try it.)

• S mile softly at yourself. Breathe deeply.

• Separate the front of your robe and look at your body, slowly, with focus and attention. Notice all of the parts that you like. Why do you like each part? Has a lover said that he likes that part?

• Take an inventory of the places and parts that you like and the reasons you like them. Now, what parts are you not happy with? Why? What is it about those parts and places that you don't like? Can you identify whether these parts really don't satisfy you, or whether your judgment has been affected by cultural stereotypes of how you're supposed to look?

• If you have any complaints about your body, say them out loud. Say them again, for as many times as it takes for you to understand that that is all they are — complaints. We start sounding a little ridiculous to ourselves when we repeat a complaint again and again. Do this now and do it up big time: complain, complain, and complain!

When you've finished, ask yourself how you feel. Simply expressing a feeling can often help it dissolve or change. Can you gaze upon your body with a little more acceptance and love? Spend just a final moment gazing in the mirror again. Relax, smile, and thank yourself for the new level of understanding you have achieved.