On listening to our bodies…

Imagine for just a moment that your body is a person, someone who is with you always. They travel alongside you through life, doing everything with you and for you. They continually seek creative ways to make your desires possible, delaying sickness and compensating for your demands. Yet, we often fail to give it the credit it deserves.

In mid-September, I became sooooo sick with the flu. The sickest I have ever been. This came after I had planned for a period of rest from birth work, hoping for a slower pace with less pressure.

Instead, I found myself caught up in the same frenetic rhythm as always—fast and busy. I had manifested this intention quite intensely, and as a result, I got exactly what I asked for. Because I wasn’t willing to slow down intentionally, my body took matters into its own hands. I ended up in bed for nine days, and for five of those, I barely slept a wink.

There were many moments when I wondered if I would be sick forever. While I knew I would eventually recover, I often felt as though it would never end. Being unable to do much for an extended period allowed me plenty of time to think and reflect, and I certainly did.

I had achieved what I wanted: I was slowed down and resting. It wasn’t the way I had envisioned it, but I got what I asked for.

Over the course of 14 days, I moved in and out of sadness, self-pity, and occasional optimism. Emerging from this germ zone, I felt an overwhelming gratitude for my body and for my health.

I also realised that I need to take better care of this one body I have. While I navigate life with a relative sense of good health, I know I’ve got to do better and that I must prioritise my wellbeing because my life actually does depend on it.

I so very much appreciate the one body I have and i am grateful for all it does for me each day. I am in awe of how it accommodates my demands and how important it is to be gentle and compassionate whenever my body says, "No, that's enough. I need to rest."

We often listen attentively to words—though perhaps we’re not as good at that as we think. However, truly listening to our bodies is a different level of awareness that we often neglect. We expect our bodies to respond to our commands without question, as if we can simply say "jump" and they will ask, "How high?" … forever and on repeat.

So, at some point today, take a moment to find stillness—whether sitting at your desk, lying on the couch, or resting in bed. Take 60 seconds to check in with your body. Start from your toes and move all the way up: to your knees, womb, hips, tummy, ribs, and diaphragm, which breathes for you thousands of times a day; to your heart, shoulders, elbows, fingertips, and hands; to your throat, mouth, jaw, and eyes; all the way to the top of your head.

Notice any sensations, tensions, or pains, and tend to them.