LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
Listen to your body! I am sure you have heard this phrase multiple times throughout your life, but what does it mean and how do you do it? The body doesn't exactly send an email or text, detailing what it is feeling, wouldn't that be nice.
Maybe your body is telling you that you shouldn't have to get up for work or you need more wine with dinner. We can all get on board with that! But isn't our goal supposed to be about making healthier choices? We don’t want to get in trouble at work or be stricken with terrible hangovers. So, what does it all mean? What are you listening for? Is it physical pain? Or is it more emotional like doubt or worry?
There are typically two types of feelings that are working here. One being the actual physical feelings (like pain, or hunger, etc.), and the other is surface psychology which overlays our core or nature and typically presents as self-doubt. An example of the latter, would be when you have a great idea but you second guess yourself, lacking self-trust. We often find ourselves reaching out to different resources like the internet, or advice from friends or colleagues, to get answers to make decisions on life’s challenges, because we don’t trust our own instincts. But even in those cases that we have gathered up all the research, we still don’t feel solid in our decisions. We doubt ourselves, as we get stuck in worry and the choices and decisions, we took all the time and effort making, get thrown out because we don’t believe them to be true.
Don’t fret, there is a different system at work in your body, that with practice, you can hon in on. It’s called intuition. It has been referred to as an “inner sensing” or an “inner insight”. That “gut” feeling you get when you know something just isn't right. There is no exact science on how it works, or where it comes from, and it can be defined as many things. Some say it is a feeling or knowledge, an inner language, an inner guidance, or ability to have a connection with the universal foundation of all living creatures. Others have explained the phenomenon as a tool for communication, an ability to go beneath the surface to feel, sense or know information. Intuition has been known to be loud or subtle, spontaneous, or intentional. It is agreed that all humans are naturally intuitive, but how do you know that our intuition is speaking to us?
The best way to start listening to your body is to get quiet. Stop overthinking and second guessing and allow yourself to learn to be sensitive to YOU. Start by sitting in a quiet space, close your eyes and take slow deep breaths. This small act will allow you to start to get connected to your core, gut feelings. Your body is sending you messages all the time, it's just about slowing down and allowing them to come through. As these subtle messages begin to surface, there is no need to apply reason, logic, or intellect. You may hear your own voice prompting you to apply for that job you've been dreaming about, or to say hello to the lovely person you see on your daily walk. The most important factor here is to TRUST yourself and what is coming through. Is there a pain or discomfort in your body that you have been avoiding addressing due to lack of time or perhaps fear? If you allow it, your body will give you clear signals that it's time to act. This can often, at first, be difficult, because in our busy lives we tend to ignore our feelings and bulldoze along with our daily tasks. The good news is that, with practice, we can turn the volume back up again. The key is trusting what the body is communicating.
Here are 3 beginners tips to help you connect to your own intuition:
Slow down. Our lives are busy and hectic, and sometimes we are moving so fast that we don’t have a second to feel anything or connect with our bodies. We can miss important signs if we are pushing ourselves too hard. Start with 5 minutes of reflection and work your way up. You will notice a big difference in how you feel and what your body tells you!
Take Deep Breaths. While sitting and reflecting, take slow deep breaths to lower your heart rate. This will help you move out of fight or flight mode and connect you with the here and now. Start by inhaling for 3 seconds, holding your breath for 3 seconds and then exhaling for 3 seconds. Do this for a round of 6. You will start to feel more centered and present!
Write down your thoughts and feelings down. As you reflect and breathe, take a second to jot down any feelings, thoughts, or visions that come up. You can also prompt yourself by asking “Body, what are you trying to tell me?”. This is a great way to open to the intuitive messages your body is sending you. You can re-read the notes and get inspired. Remember to read your notes without judgment, they are for your eyes only.
You can start these exercises once a week for 5-10 minutes, and then work your way up. This doesn’t have to be too time-consuming, or overwhelming. With practice, your skills will get stronger, and you will be able to tap into your inner knowledge with ease. You’ll be surprised to find this exercise very relaxing and even invigorating!
For more information, tips, and tools to connect to your body, the L3 Practitioners are always available to chat. Reach out anytime at admin@L3collective.com
