How often do we pause and truly listen to what our body is telling us? In today’s fast-paced world, it's all too easy to ignore the subtle messages our body sends—those whispers that, when left unheard, often turn into screams. Whether it’s the tension in your shoulders, the tightness in your chest, or the fatigue that won’t go away, your body is constantly speaking to you. The question is, are you listening?
The Language of the Body
Our body has a remarkable way of communicating with us, often long before we consciously recognize what’s happening beneath the surface. There are a number of authors who share absolute gems on this topic.
Dr. Bruce Lipton, in his book The Biology of Belief, explains how your thoughts and beliefs influence your cells at the molecular level. When you hold onto negative beliefs, such as “I’m not good enough” or “I’ll never be successful” your body begins to reflect that energy. These beliefs, often hidden in your subconscious, can manifest as physical ailments, low energy, or discomfort in the physical body.
Louise Hay, author of You Can Heal Your Life. Louise teaches that physical symptoms are often tied to emotional and mental patterns. For example, recurring headaches might signal unresolved stress, while back pain can stem from feelings of a lack of support.
I love Louise's work and refer to her book often in search of any underlying problems for myself and clients. It's also very helpful that she suggests new thought patterns for each problem, which can be used as a mantra or affirmation. For example if you are struggling with anxiety Louise suggests that you are "not trusting the flow and process of life." The suggested new thought pattern or affirmation is: "I love and approve of myself and I trust the process of life. I am safe." However, if you were to say that new thought pattern and it doesn't feel true for you, I would recommend turning the statement into a 'What if question' to avoid your brain rejecting it, e.g. "What if I love and approve of myself and I trust the process of life? What if I am safe."
Trauma Stored in the Body
The concept that the body stores emotional and physical trauma isn’t new, but it has gained significant recognition thanks to experts like Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score. He demonstrates how unprocessed emotions and past traumas are stored in the body, often showing up as chronic pain, tension, or illness.
Peter Levine’s work on somatic experiencing highlights how physical sensations are often the body’s way of releasing stored trauma. By tuning into these sensations, you can begin to process and release what no longer serves you, leading to profound healing.
“The body never lies.” – Martha Graham, Ballerina.
Your Energy Speaks Volumes
From an energetic perspective, the body’s signals can be seen as messages from your energy field. Caroline Myss, in Anatomy of the Spirit, links physical symptoms to imbalances in our chakras—the energy centers of the body. For example, an overactive solar plexus chakra might manifest as digestive issues or feelings of burnout, while a blocked throat chakra could appear as recurring sore throats or difficulty expressing yourself.
My online course, Break Free of Your Limiting Beliefs teaches that identifying and releasing limiting beliefs is key to clearing energetic blockages that hold us back. When we clear these beliefs, we not only feel lighter emotionally but often experience noticeable shifts in our physical health as well.
Mindfulness and Listening to Your Body
One of the simplest yet most profound ways to begin listening to your body is through mindfulness. Thich Nhat Hanh, in Peace Is Every Step, reminds us to tune into the present moment. A mindful body scan helps you to notice sensations in each part of the body without judgment. It is a simple yet powerful tool for connecting with what your body is trying to tell you.
Dr. Joe Dispenza’s work also reinforces this, teaching that the mind and body are inextricably linked. Through intentional practices like meditation and visualization, you can rewire your thought patterns and create new, healthier outcomes for your body and mind.
If you listen to your body when it whispers, you won’t have to hear it scream.” – Unknown.
Practical Steps to Start Listening
If your body is speaking, here are some practical ways to start listening:
Practice a Body Scan: Spend 5-10 minutes each day scanning your body. Notice areas of tension, warmth, or discomfort. Ask yourself, “What might this part of my body be trying to tell me?” 🧘♀️
Journal Your Feelings: Journaling can help uncover patterns between your emotions and physical sensations. For example, do your headaches often occur after stressful conversations or during moments of self-doubt? 📖
Tune into Your Breath: As Thich Nhat Hanh says, “Your breath is your anchor.” When you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a moment to breathe deeply. This not only calms your nervous system but also allows you to reconnect with your body. 🌬️
Explore Energy Healing: Techniques like chakra balancing, energy clearing, and grounding can help you release what no longer serves you. Learn how to listen to your body by working with your energy systems. ✨
Release Stored Emotions: Somatic practices like yoga, EFT (tapping), or even simple movement can help release emotions stored in the body. Dr. Gabor Maté’s work in When the Body Says No underscores the importance of addressing these suppressed emotions to prevent illness. 🌀
Your Body is a Guide, Not an Enemy
It’s easy to view physical symptoms as inconveniences, but what if you shifted your perspective? What if, instead of ignoring or suppressing these signals, you approached them with curiosity and compassion? As Donna Eden writes in Energy Medicine, “Your body is designed to heal itself, but it needs you to pay attention to its messages.”
Listening to your body is an act of self-love.
When you honor its wisdom, you’re not just healing physically, you’re healing emotionally, mentally, and energetically. If you’re ready to dive deeper into understanding and healing your energy field, consider exploring the Break Free of Your Limiting Beliefs course. It’s an excellent starting point if you are ready to release trapped emotions and limiting beliefs, free up blocked energy and step into a more vibrant, empowered life.
Your body is always speaking to you, through aches, sensations, and even moments of fatigue. By tuning into these signals and exploring the mind-body connection, you can unlock a powerful path to healing and self-awareness. Remember, the more you listen, the more your body will guide you toward a life of balance and vitality.
So, take a moment today. Breathe deeply. Ask your body what it needs. And most importantly, listen.
