What two weeks in Brazil taught me about body awareness

Rio is a city of contrasts, where beauty and joie de vivre, as well as violence and poverty, can coexist in close proximity. Perhaps it is this constant tension, the awareness of the other, darker side of the city and of life, that has deeply indoctrinated its residents with the need to celebrate their existence and their own bodies. "The attraction of the beaches and the glamour of Carnival stand in stark contrast to the city's social problems. Beach culture becomes a daily celebration of liberation, unity, and cultural pride. It's a place for everyone, not just tourists or rich people," Jost summarizes her impressions.

In the weeks before and during Carnival, the city's party spirit is particularly evident – ​​costumes are prepared for months and are now finally worn, and around every corner lurks a "bloco," or street party. Here, either more traditional samba melodies or energetic baile funk blare from the ratty speakers. This encourages the locals to swing their hips seemingly effortlessly in the scorching summer heat, making you feel like the most stuffy and awkward potato on the planet. The atmosphere is always sexy, but never intrusive, and things get heated even among friends.

Lucia Jost

In an Instagram video, Brazilian comedian Jade Catta-Preta says of her fellow countrymen's customs: "If you look at each other for too long in Brazil, you kiss. And because you hug and kiss everyone in Brazil, everyone smells better, and hygiene is a top priority!" Kissing and physical proximity are less charged here and simply part of flirting—and ultimately, they're way too much fun to be stingy with.

What really influences how comfortable we feel in our bodies

I mostly live relatively at peace with my body. I don't love everything about it, but I've learned that it's not the amount of exercise or healthy meals that make me feel better about it, but rather my general mood. After two weeks in Brazil, during which countless pão de queijo (cheesecake balls) and sugary caipirinhas certainly didn't contribute to a flatter stomach or a generally more toned appearance, I felt more confident about my body than I had in years. My "feeling myself" motto and flirtatious mood are still holding up. My green and yellow thong bikini, imported in my hand luggage (who needs a lot of clothes anyway), is currently in the closet. We'll see if I'll wear it to my local pool this summer—that's definitely my resolution.