'Listen to me (please)' says your body

Do you 'listen' to your body? Do you pay attention to sensations in your body? Are you sat for ages at a desk or slumped in a chair and not taking breaks or getting up and moving around? If so, your body will not thank you for it. You probably have not been aware of the impact on your muscles, ligaments, tendons, blood vessels or major organs in your body. 

If you've ever woken up after a nights sleep and wondered why your neck muscles are tight, then you may have forgotten to listen to your body. Perhaps you held your shoulders unevenly, or were sitting with your feet tucked underneath you and were twisting your spine. Perhaps you were breathing very shallowly and getting insufficient oxygen into your lungs and then anxiety affected you, without 'real' awareness of what happened to cause it. 

We only get that one, precious, body to see us through all our life. Our brain that sits inside our body, it thinks it's in charge sitting right at the top. Well it is in charge, mostly. We need to remind it that being at the top also means being totally responsible for the miraculous thing that is our own, unique, vehicle in life. It might not be the perfect body, but it is the only one we will get. If we don't look after it, eventually we will become less efficient, less able to move and unable to do the things our brain needs and wants us to do. We must take time to repair, refresh and keep the moving parts, moving. 

Conversely, we need time to 'rest' the brain and let it 'free-wheel' for a while. To close down awareness on constant noise, thoughts and input that the brain receives 24/7 is a feat that challenges us, unless asleep. Learning to connect what is happening between your mind and body takes time. I see and experience a link between physical activity and calming of the mind. I've had those sudden solutions to things I've been mulling over, all because I have taken a break or done something physical after being static for a time. 

I really enjoy the physical challenge of yoga and swimming. I'd love to swim every day if I could! Yoga is something I do easily at home and sometimes I attend a class, subject to work commitments. I find both activities give me something different and both really clear my mind to allow a natural 'pause'. I find that because my body is active, my mind is quieter. For most people this makes exercise a big 'plus' and it's why sports are great for releasing tension and building stamina. 

I wonder if you have reminded your brain of it's responsibilities as your vehicle (body) owner of late. If not, is it time for an overhaul of your mind and body? 

I run 6 session HypnoShape ® weight programmes in Norwich, UK. It's a programme that helps you get back in touch with your body (and mind).  It's particularly helpful if you notice sometimes you eat for emotional reasons. It's not a diet, it's about getting a healthy lifestyle. It'll help you find ways to manage stress, improve how you feel about yourself and deal with emotion too. Contact me or info@hypnoshape.com for more information on daytime and evening classes running at the Norfolk Clinic, 38-40 Magdalen Road, Norwich. 

Angie
See:

angiegiles.co.uk
Twitter: angie_therapist
Facebook: Angie Giles Hypnotherapy

About the Author: Angie works as a hypnotherapist, counsellor and coach at the Norfolk Clinic Complementary Healthcare Clinic, 38-40 Magdalen Road, Norwich. 

Call Norfolk Clinic reception on 01603 660792 or Angie directly on 07773 610816. She loves helping other people achieve their potential at work, life and finding greater happiness using a range of therapeutic techniques. 

         

This moment, now

My own journey with mindfulness continues. With being in the moment. When there is a lot going on, sometimes the clutter can also clutter my mind, especially when I'm at my office, rather than where I work with clients. The noise from outside, the visual bombardment of social media, phone, computer and TV can be such a distraction in the home. I like to remember to stop and breathe. To look at nature, seeing the spring bulbs push their green shoots upwards through the earth. To listen and feel what's going on around me. I could do a lot better at this when I am feeling pressured, and I'm accepting that acceptance, takes a great deal of practice! I think when we see the 'D' of mind (see below), we know it is too easy to listen to negative thoughts or hold on to things that no longer serve us well. Something it might help is remember this little image (kindly borrowed from a wonderful blog from a lady who has gone through breast cancer) 

The lady who wrote it added a great footnote at the end of her latest blog post (22/01/2012). A statement from the wonderful Wayne Dwyer... on radiating serenity and peace: 'Radiate an energy of serenity and peace so that you have an uplifting effect on those you come into contact with. Your presence will make others feel calm and assured'                                                                                            That's something to be mindful about too, isn't it? 

nature's moment

I caught sight of a flurry of activity in my garden today.  There were suddenly birds flitting about everywhere. I discovered that a blackbird was in the process of building a new nest in the ivy (sadly a previously crafted nest was raided by a cat or a rat on another side of the garden) It was absorbing and interesting to see how she managed to choose and carry varying amounts of stuff to build her nest with. It was in that moment of quiet and interested observation that I was calmer, freed from whatever thought had been occupying my mind previously. It took only a few moments to clear the cobwebs and to listen to what's important, to notice something other than the noise in my head!

Have you taken time to notice what's around you today?