Dorene Garvin 6/28/24 Dorene Garvin 6/28/24

Are you Listening?

This question could be applied to many aspects of life but today I want to talk about the body. Are you listening to your body? If this sounds like a foreign concept then give me a moment and let me share something I have experienced which may be helpful.

One of my greatest mentors on my career path, John F. Barnes, PT, taught me how to listen to my client’s bodies when giving a treatment. Of course, I listen to their words too, but listening to their body was a big revelation that changed my life and the way I work. Bodies talk to me and if you learn this skill, your body will tell you everything it needs.

Our bodies hold onto past experiences, emotionally. Generally, we have been taught to ignore them or to stuff these emotions. And so, we store our unexpressed anger, grief, fear and yes, even joy! into different parts of the body. Maybe we think we will deal with them later, but what happens is that life keeps coming at us with demands and later never happens.

Our language reflects this, for example: Get off my back; you are a pain in the neck; she shoulders much responsibility; I cannot stomach that; etc.

When we learn to ask our bodies each morning, “What do you need, body?” Then listen and follow through by taking the appropriate action, then our bodies become our ally. A mutual respect between body and intellect develops, and balance ensues.

Sometimes that action is no-action, as in rest. Sometimes certain foods are needed, sometimes eliminating toxic relationships, or maybe some emotional clearing is in order. The communication can be small like what is wanted for breakfast, or maybe we need to course -correct something big and life changing.

When larger issues come up, it is best to seek help from a close friend, family member, or a professional. Remember that nothing we do is ever done alone. We need each other!

Today, in my office, while I was working on my client’s foot, I heard the words “lack of support.” We discussed what that phrase meant to her, a little during the session and then more afterwards. This can help shed light and bring clarity on situations too close for us to see.

Often the body part holding onto the emotional baggage starts to complain by expressing pain, and we retaliate by calling it bad. “This is my bad knee.” Try asking that knee what it needs and then practice listening! See what happens. You might be surprised!

Pamela Lee 4/14/24 Pamela Lee 4/14/24

Are you Listening?

Superbloom Health