“A trembling in the bones may carry a more convincing testimony than the dry documented deductions of the brain.”
Llewellyn Powers
“Few of us have lost our minds, but most of us have long ago lost our bodies.”
Ken Wilbur
I recently got a new GPS, and I love it! All I need to do is plug in the destination and follow the step-by-step directions, and I arrive exactly where I want to be. No thought is required, no figuring anything out. No maps, no getting lost. I simply listen and respond, and everything else is taken care of.
It is a big relief to not have to know how to get to where I’m going. I can relax and enjoy the journey.
Listening to the Body
Listening to our inner guidance is kind of like turning on the GPS. When we let go of the mental activity of trying to figure things out, we have the space to become aware of the guidance that is already there. And when we follow the directions that are offered, we stay on track and do not lose our way.
This is easier said than done, I know. But we can start by paying attention to the body. The body is like the voice inside the GPS. Using its own special language in the form of physical sensations, it tells us exactly what we need to know. If we are willing to listen.
In this complex world we inhabit, most of us are consumed with our thoughts. We live in our heads trying to analyze people and situations, sort through input, plan for every possible occurrence. We live by expectations and “shoulds.” If we were to draw the way most of us experience ourselves, it might look like this:
If we are so enamored with our minds, following the thoughts that pull us away from ourselves, how can we possibly be in touch with the messages that our body is trying to send us?
The Physical World Within
The body is extremely sensitive. It is the perfect barometer that tells us when our thoughts and actions are aligned with our inner wisdom and when we have turned away. If we carefully observe the reactions of the body, a whole world opens up. We notice subtle changes in heart rate, breathing, muscular tension, and digestion. We feel tightness, softness, vibration, heaviness, space.
When we begin to observe the body, what we might notice is a veritable orchestra of experiences not necessarily playing in tune. There are physical urges and desires that propel us in a given direction as well as habitual contractions of the muscles and constricted breathing. It may seem impossible to find the inner navigation.
But underneath the pressures and tugs is the whisper of truth waiting for our kind attention.
Just as we develop mental and emotional habits, the body has learned how to protect us with a physical armor. These patterns evolved in response to fearful experiences in the past. When we perceive a lack of safety in our environment, the body pulls in to prepare for attack or defense, fight or flight. And these patterns in the body may last well beyond the original threat itself. This leaves us living in a state of heightened tension borne of fear.
Listening to the intelligence of the body asks us to wend our way through the forest of our long-standing habits to discover the place of natural wisdom and clear seeing that has been there all along.
Learning the Language
For some of us, we need to learn the language of the body. The body speaks in physical sensations, illness, and injury. Everything that happens in our bodies is an opportunity to see what hidden treasures we haven’t yet become aware of.
A few years ago I was diagnosed with colitis. At the time, I prided myself on already having let go of many old patterns. But life had more in store for me. Since then, I have become so much more kind to myself. I don’t push myself nearly so much, and I take the time (usually) to relax. Even though my yoga practice is challenging, it comes from within rather than from me imposing it on myself – more a being than a doing. And when the symptoms flare up, which doesn’t happen too often these days, I’ve learned to stop, rest, eat the foods that help, and say no to requests for my time.
These symptoms became my navigation, and they have guided me beautifully.
Discerning the Whisper of Truth
Just as we know the feeling of “rightness” and certainty, we know when we are off – the sinking feeling, clenching in the gut, too much tension to sleep. But sometimes our experience is not so clear. The inner guidance whispers while the conditioned habits are screaming.
Then you “start where you are” by befriending the patterns so they begin to soften. Fighting them will only make things worse.
Being open to our inner intelligence is like a prayer. We put down our need to control and know, and we ask for help and direction. This is where the GPS metaphor breaks down. We can’t program in our destination because we don’t know what it is until we get there. All we need to do is listen, follow, and appreciate the richness of the journey.
What do you notice about the language of the body in your own life? What happens when you listen – or when you ignore it? Is there anything that your body is telling you now that you haven’t yet heard? I’d love to hear….
image credit:LaurenManning
Greg Blencoe says
Hi Gail,
My body has a way of speaking very loudly and clearly when I go too long without having any exercise.
It’s incredible how after a certain pretty specific period of time without it, I start feeling grumpy and irritable. I think my body is yelling out, “Please go to the gym!”
And then after around 20-30 minutes after I have started exercising, I start to feel much more normal and positive. My body feels much different.
Fortunately, I have learned to be aware that this can happen, so I avoid having problems because I am irritable.
When I start feeling what is happening, I tell myself to just make it through the next few hours and stay away from situations that might get negative.
Gail Brenner says
Sounds like a wonderful way to take care of yourself, Greg – and people around you! Exercise really changes the brain chemistry.
I did have a thought as I was reading your comment. I wondered if the irritability is purely physical, or if there is more going on. Irritability, or any emotion, can potentially be a gateway to some interesting insights. Just a thought….
Chris Edgar says
Thanks for this — one thing I’ve learned is to “seek out the lightness” — to move toward those situations where my body feels less heavy and encumbered. When I thought about leading a workshop, I unmistakably got that feeling, and that’s the main “reason” I’m going to do it. 🙂
Gail Brenner says
That sounds right on to me, Chris. It’s actually very simple – follow what makes us genuinely happy. Then the body, emotions, and thoughts are aligned in happiness. Certainly, if the body feels heavy and encumbered, it’s worth a second look.
I love that you say you ummistakably got that light feeling. When you have that much certainty, it’s bound to be the right direction.
Hope the workshop brings you and others much joy!
Armen Shirvanian says
Hi Gail.
I sure do listen to my body sometimes. That picture you made sure represents how offset our thoughts are, because we are thinking we can maneuver everything with our brain, when our body needs movement or exercise, or needs sunlight or nutrition or such.
We get signals all the time. Ignoring those signals is like ignoring someone saying “I’m about to light your shirt on fire”. When your head hurts, it is worth walking around or drinking water or trying something. That part that says “The body speaks in physical sensations, illness, and injury” is a good way to look at it. The body won’t text message us that the lack of water that is being drunk is contributing to a lack of energy and gain of weight. We get enough signals to work with, so it is in our hands. Health issues always present themselves in some minor form before they are ignored and become larger problems.
There are things my body currently tells me that call me to some action.
Gail Brenner says
Hi Armen,
It’s all about paying attention, isn’t it? The information is there – and we get to choose whether we honor it or not. We have the option of living true to the life that is given us or diverting onto some other path that ultimately doesn’t feel right. I love that we have this choice!
Saying it’s like ignoring someone saying, “I’m about to light your shirt on fire” really emphasizes the importance of these messages from the body. They aren’t the least bit trivial, in fact they are essential to our lives. Just like everything, the body teaches us, if we let it. I have learned some amazing things from listening to the body, plus it just feels good to be attuned to it.
So great to see that the body is calling you to action – it’s an opportunity for learning and transformation for sure. I wish you well with it!
Tara Mohr says
Gail your posts are so rich…there is so much here.
I particularly love the point you make about listening to the body being like a prayer -we have to give up control, and that can be really difficult, especially since often what the body is telling us doesn’t fit with our plans, the opinions of other people in our lives. Often what it is guiding us to do requires facing some fears and leaving our comfort zones.
Also, I love your words about how the patterns scream and the body whispers. That’s why we need to get quiet and listen intentionally if we want to access that guidance!
And Chris – really am intrigued by your idea about moving toward the lightness! I’m going to experiment with that.
Gail Brenner says
Hi Tara,
A warm welcome to you. Thanks so much for visiting!
If we want to truly listen, giving up control, or surrendering, is part of the deal. When we begin to let go into the flow of life, we see that our desires and plans don’t always match what life wants to offer us. This is where the rubber meets the road, as we are invited to face fears and leave our comfort zone. Our comfort zone is defined by our habits and familiar ideas. When we explore these and move beyond them, even if it’s scary, we realize the awesomeness of being alive!
I don’t want to make it sound like we just listen to the inner guidance, and everything becomes clear. This is a process. For most people, patterns are screaming to some degree. If the wise inner voice cannot be heard, which is common, then investigating the patterns is needed. We bring the underlying belief systems to light and befriend our deepest feelings. As everything is welcomed, there is space for our natural wisdom to be heard.
We are so fortunate that there is an alternative to struggle and unhappiness. In my life, I listen to the inner whisper and do its bidding. As other commenters have said, it is always right, taking us to clarity and love.
Stephen Borgman says
Gail, this is a beautifully written piece. If I would have listened to my body more often, I probably would not have gotten in to as much trouble as I have gotten. I had a wise instructor once who talked a lot about ‘trusting the gut.’ Great information!
Gail Brenner says
Hi Stephen,
A warm welcome to you!
You know, we probably learn more from getting into trouble than we do from the path of ease. So I imagine that the times you haven’t listened have served you well.
And we can all benefit from your wise instructor advising to trust the gut. The information we need is always here – it’s a matter of seeing it and letting it in.
Thanks so much for your comment and your visit here. Wishing you well….
Deb says
Gail
I have recently experienced this. I wanted to be involved in a project at work, I got on the committee, got involved with a sub-group, was thinking I would try for the steering committee of the larger group. Then I stopped to think – why was I doing this? It is a cause I believe in, but it all didn’t feel right. I didn’t like the way I felt at a meeting. Then I decided to pull back from most of it, except the big group. I felt an immediate sense of peace and I felt my body relax. I felt like Chris above, describes. I think I was trying to be something, someone I wasn’t, but listening to my body told me this isn’t the right path for me.
As always, I enjoy and learn from your writing.
Gail Brenner says
I’m so glad you learn from my writing, Deb, and I learn from hearing about your experience. You listened so beautifully to yourself. “It all didn’t feel right.” So simple, just to check in for a split second and notice what is happening. As you could see, the data is there, just waiting for us to pay attention. And not only did you hear the message, you responded by pulling back from the smaller committee. This is wisdom.
Thank you so much for sharing this, Deb. It’s so great to hear from you.
jean says
Great post, Gail. You’ve zeroed in on many excellent points to demonstrate the body’s “indicators” that can assist in our well-being.
Your approach to Yoga is exactly why I now enjoy working out. My attitude has changed from an activity I must endure to get certain results, to an activity I am privileged to enjoy! 🙂
Recently, my body has begun to communicate that certain areas need the kind and gentle attention of some expertise that I don’t possess. I’m very grateful to have the grace period of being “advised” that something needs tending to.
Thanks for your wise words,
Jean
Gail Brenner says
Not only are you being “advised,” Jean. You are willing to listen. Our bodies often speak to us – what to eat, how much, when to rest, when to push, etc. There’s a beautiful sense of being with what is when we listen. We receive the messages, and take care of ourselves accordingly.
It’s wonderful to hear about the way in which you stay aligned and are willing to act on what is needed. This is a life that sings unabashedly, and I’m sure it shows.
Love to you…