Would you say that you live more in your mind than your body?
Consider this for a moment.
To answer the question, does your mind immediately begin to rationally analyze and formulate a well-thought-out answer? Or do you drop into your body and notice what feels true to you.
Both options are valid and necessary. This is where the concept of balance comes into play.
Listening to both offers essential information using different forms of intelligence. Listening to only one can lead to stress.
How can you cultivate skill in listening to both parts of yourself?
As I drove six hours across Spain last week, I reflected on this inquiry.
During the journey from my grandfather’s hometown in Galicia to the capital city of the Rioja region, my heart was overflowing with gratitude. I felt it viscerally.
I experienced again the incredible green beauty of this mountainous region. My heart swelled in awe of nature.
As I drove along a reverse Camino, passing names of beloved places from previous journeys, tears of joy and remembrance filled my eyes.
I wondered at the deep resonance that I felt. And my rational, analytical mind immediately tried to reason it away.
My critical voice started chattering:
“You are just being sentimental”
“These are only names of places”
“You’ve seen many beautiful sights in this world, this is just another”
“You are too emotional about little things”
At this point, my mindfulness practice kicked in: STOP
🍃 I interrupted the critical train of thought.
🍃 I took a few deep breaths.
🍃 I observed my visceral body reaction, the feeling of gratitude expanding my heart, the clarity of the feeling of connection.
🍃 And then I proceeded with the practice of self-kindness - I gave myself the gift of allowing my feelings to be valid. My thoughts quieted as I allowed myself to feel exactly what I was feeling without needing to change or explain it.
We frequently create stress for ourselves when we allow our minds to talk us out of what our body’s intelligence is telling us.
This type of disconnect can cause agitation to our nervous system. Our physical body reacts to the suppression of an important part of ourselves - key information provided for our self-understanding and happiness.
The chain continues. Agitation, when ignored or suppressed, can lead to poor choices. External stressors from work or personal issues can escalate into long-term damage to our well-being and our relationships.
A simple practice that can help balance your body-mind connection is gratitude. Looking around you with gratitude for the good that is present, keeps you connected with the present moment – the place where you can actually hear what your body is telling you.
To develop more balance and deepen your skill in listening to your body, try our free body scan.
Twenty minutes several times a week will go a long way in reacquainting you with the intelligence arising in your physical form.
May your hearts be touched by your own special places this week.
Let your wisdom lead,
Robin
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