Isn’t it incredible how our bodies are like the most devoted messengers, shuttling back and forth between our minds and souls? They tirelessly convey the same two messages: are we in sync with our soul’s calling, or have we taken a detour? It’s like they hold up a neon sign saying “Alignment in progress” or “Detour ahead.”
Are we noticing the signs?
When we’re dancing in joy, radiating excitement, and exuding compassion, we’re right on track. But when anxiety, stress, anger, or sadness start knocking on our door, that’s our body’s gentle nudge, saying, “Hey there, you might want to reroute back to the enchanted woods where the sun shines on your soul.”
When we fail to listen to our body and notice the signs, we become the abuses of our physical temple. We push it to the brink of exhaustion and don’t give it the highest quality fuel possible. The cardinal rule for listening to your body comes down to this: if we don’t pay attention to our wellness, we’ll be required to pay attention to our illness.
The good news is that our bodies are very grateful and forgiving.
Nayyirah Waheed put it beautifully when she said,
“And I said to my body softly, ‘I want to be your friend.’ My body took a long breath and replied, ‘I have been waiting my whole life for this.'”
Nayyirah Waheed
So, let’s embark on this journey of befriending our bodies with open hearts and a sprinkle of humor, shall we?
Techniques to Strengthen Your Bond with Your Body:
1. Body-Dialogue:
Start a loving conversation with your body. Shower it with affirmations that light up your soul. “I am beautiful, I am lovable, my ass is amazing, I am healthy,” and any other statement that resonates with you. Your body is listening, and trust me, it loves compliments as much as you do! It will do what you say it is.
2. Listening to Body:
Tune in and pay attention to the whispers, hints, and nudges your body shares. Are you feeling drained, a tad irritable, or sensing an ache after a particular situation? These are like little post-it notes from your body, reminding you to check in with your internal compass. It’s time to slow down before you break down.
3. Limiting Body Beliefs:
It’s time to shatter those limiting body beliefs lurking in the shadows. What are your negative body beliefs? Maybe something like this: I was born this way, my parents were overweight, so I am too, I have big bones, etc. Being aware of your internal dialogue leads to an opportunity to choose one of the aforementioned positive statements instead.
Remember, your body is your most loyal companion on this journey through life. It’s been with you through thick and thin, and it’s time to return the favor. Treat it with kindness respect, and above all, be its friend.