What My Body Taught Me When I Finally Listened

When I finally began to listen to my body, everything changed. There was a day that stands out clearly in my memory. It was a restless afternoon when I felt an all-too-familiar tightness in my chest and a whirlwind of anxious thoughts racing through my mind. Instead of dismissing these feelings or trying to push through them as I had done countless times before, I decided to pause.

Today, I am sharing a personal story of growth, and how my healing journey is going.

Tuning In

I found a quiet space and closed my eyes, placing my hand on my heart. This simple act of grounding set off a chain reaction. I took deep, intentional breaths, allowing each inhalation to fill my lungs, and each exhalation to release the tension I had been holding. As I tuned into my body, I started to notice subtle sensations—the flutter of my heartbeat, the weight in my shoulders, the warmth of my hands.

During this practice, I realised that my body was speaking to me in a language I had long ignored. It was communicating the stress I had accumulated from years of unresolved trauma and anxiety. By leaning into these sensations rather than avoiding them, I began to unravel the stories my body was housing. Each breath became an invitation to explore the origins of my discomfort—a painful memory, an unmet need, a suppressed emotion.

Over time, as I continued to listen, I discovered a profound truth. My body was not the enemy, it was a wise ally.

It taught me the importance of self-compassion and patience. It reminded me that healing is not a linear journey but a dynamic process that flourishes when embraced with love and understanding. I began to take seriously the message of becoming love. For me, for my work, for my family.

Honouring Wisdom

In this ongoing journey, I'm learning that when I honour my body's messages, I can navigate the complexities of my emotional landscape with greater ease and clarity. I've come to understand that true healing lies in the delicate dance between my body and my mind. Through my somatic practice, I've cultivated a deeper connection to myself—one that ignites empowerment, resilience, and profound healing.

Honouring my body as a vessel of wisdom means recognising that every ache, every flutter, and every moment of stillness carries a message. My body has experienced myriad emotions, traumas, and triumphs, each leaving an imprint that shapes who I am today. It is not merely a physical shell, it is a repository of knowledge, an intricate tapestry woven with the threads of my history.

In moments of quietude, I can feel the whisper of my body guiding me towards deeper understanding. The tension in my shoulders might signal stress or unresolved issues, while a flutter in my stomach may point to excitement or anxiety.

By tuning in to these sensations, I learn to trust my body's innate wisdom, allowing it to lead me towards healing and growth. I am learning (it’s still a journey) to tune into my body’s messages and act based upon what it is telling me. Instead of pushing down the sensations and doing what everyone else or society expects is the right thing for me.

Moving Forwards

Embracing this wisdom requires patience and compassion. Neither have been easy for me. Especially patience. It means developing a nurturing relationship with myself, acknowledging the past while also allowing space for the future.

I can practice gentle movement or mindfulness, creating opportunities to listen to my body’s messages, rather than rushing to silence them. This active listening becomes a potent tool for self-discovery, guiding me to tend to hidden wounds.

In this process, I honour not just the physical aspects of my body but its emotional and spiritual dimensions as well. Each emotional scar and physical stretch mark tells a story of resilience and transformation, reminding me of my strength. By cherishing my body as a vessel of wisdom, I cultivate a deeper connection to myself, empowering me to navigate life’s challenges with grace and authenticity.

Honouring my body has been about embracing wholeness. I acknowledge that my journey towards healing is continuous and evolving. It isn’t linear. I sometimes go backwards. I always have lessons and they repeat if I don’t get them the first time.

By celebrating my body as a wise ally, I pave the way for profound change, allowing it to guide me toward a life richer in meaning and fulfilment.

I’ve turned the comments on so you can share your journey with the community if you’d like.

Namaste

Claire x