When was the last time you listened to your body? More specifically, what happened when you said, “yes” when you really meant, “no”?
I distinctly remember the day I accepted a job offer, then immediately felt my chest constrict in a way that I’d never experienced, causing me to become short of breath and nauseous. For the next six years that job depleted my energy, destroyed my body, and turned me into an unrecognizable version of myself that I never want to see again.
Terri Cole, our teacher today, asks us to take a couple of deep breaths, letting everything soften and relax. Then she asks us to think of a time, a person, a task or obligation, or even “a role that you’ve been playing” – whatever it is that you keep saying yes to and it’s taking a toll on you. What happens to our bodies? Where do we feel something? In the belly? Jaw? Chest? She wants us to really focus on what and where we’re feeling the reaction to that image/situation/commitment, etc. I felt it in my chest, middle back, and scalp. (I know, right? Weird.) Then she says,
“The body doesn’t lie.”
No kidding . . . wow.
She says that our bodies tell us things all the time. The big question is: do we listen? (Chances are, we don’t.)
After a couple of cleansing breaths Terri leads us through another exercise: take that same task/role/situation and imagine saying “no”. What happens now? Is there some relief? Some more space? Peace, perhaps? Or (and this made me say Oh holy cow out loud) “a flash of fear, a wave of guilt, or a tightness somewhere new?” I’m glad I was sitting down. I wasn’t expecting her to name what came into my head! (I’m also guessing I’m not the only one who felt it . . .)
Now, we’re just supposed to notice these things, not ‘fix’ them, yet that’s exactly what I wanted to ask her. How in the world do I fix it? Instead, we took another couple of deep breaths and she offered us this to repeat as we breathe:
“My body always knows . . . and I am learning to listen.”
She gives us a few moments to practice this, then asks us to breathe and refocus on the here and now, and praises us for showing up today and listening to our bodies. Terri also reminds us that our bodies send signals about something long before our brains figure it out but that by listening to, and recognizing, the signs we develop the ability to redirect and avoid the consequences of overcommitment. It kind of reminds me of another meditation teacher who called it “listening to my inner yes and no.”
So maybe if we start to learn the signals our bodies are sending out we can stop, notice, take a deep breath, listen, and make a different choice. Baby steps, right? But once we take that first step others are sure to follow.
How did you feel during today’s session? Just curious . . .
I hope that you take a moment to breathe today and listen to what your body is telling you. It’s important.
#10dayburnout&exhaustionchallenge
#thebodydoesntlie
#mybodyalwaysknowsandiamlearningtolisten
#youarenotalone
The information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only and is, in no way, a substitute for professional medical advice. The events, practices, and opinions discussed here are those of the author and should be treated as such. ALWAYS talk with your doctor about conditions, medications, and concerns you have about your health and work together to determine the best course of action for you.
Wholeness Health and YOU! 