When our bodies speak to us, we need to listen.
We are physically governed by so many outside forces in our lives. We stop at stop signs, without even thinking about it, wait in lines to pay for things, pay bills on time, and tend to our phones when they buzz. Basically, we follow the protocol that is set forth for us by society.
However, one of the most important things that I have learned is to also be attuned to our inner needs and the communication that comes within the body. When our body is run down, stressed, ill or overwhelmed, there are distinct signs that each of us can probably put our finger on if we are attuned. Our bodies give us signals that, if we pay attention to, can help us to make changes and restore balance.
Translating this communication from our body to our mind and heart is crucial in and maintaining balance in our lives. Our bodies have needs. Why is it that we tend to the message of hunger that our bodies send us, yet we are so quick to dismiss feelings of distress or fatigue that our body tries to tell us? I encourage you to tap into the signs that you see in your body, even when it is uncomfortable.
I often find myself piling a little too much on my plate, in terms of work. When I am stressed, I find myself short-fused and my body feels quite tense. I can immediately feel it in my breath; it feels heavy to breathe, almost like a burden, another thing I have to check off the to-do list. When I tend to these physiological signs that my body is overwhelmed and stressed, I have the ability to make changes and nurture my body and then my mind and soul, instead of ignoring it.
These physiological feelings are all messages that signal to us to take a step back and think about why our bodies are having these reactions. It is essential to look beneath the surface.
Whatever the reason may be, it is imperative that we:
- Recognize when our bodies are trying to tell us something.
- Take some time to sit with these feelings and figure out where they are coming from.
- Label and acknowledge the feeling.
- Make some change to counteract the feeling.
When we listen to our bodies, we can learn so much – how to improve our lives and restore balance.
When you think about your body, what signs are you attuned to and how do you maintain balance in your life?