Even though we have been with our body since our birth, we still might have difficulties understanding the messages of our body. In this article, you get instruction on how to know when your body says "no" (or "yes") and how and for what you can use that information.
Benefits of speaking the same language with your body
Before starting to learn a new language, let see what the benefits of knowing when your body says "no" are:
- We usually make decisions based on the beliefs and limitations we have. For example, if you have the idea that you are not proficient with numbers, you will never search for jobs where you need to count or use math. Or if you think you are clumsy, then you are trying to avoid all the tasks that require dexterity. Understanding the messages of your body helps you to make better choices and better decisions.
- When we are used to a certain kind of activity, we rarely question whether this activity is stressful for us or not. Our body is much smarter, and often it can inform us well in advance if this activity is harmful to our mental or physical health.
- When we plan self-care activities, we often rely on our brain (mind) and try to figure out what would be useful for us. We follow every suggestion we see in social media and frequently blindly believe that if it's on the internet, then it is valid, true, and fits everybody. Quite often the body might need something different. And knowing the language our body speaks, we can offer the activity it requires.
Instruction on how to know when your body says no
How do you learn to understand your body's messages? Understanding your body messages is not rocket science. You have to know how your body says "yes" and how it says "no."
Have you noticed that sometimes after a decision you feel very light, just like you were floating? Later you may find that as a result of your choice your life went in the right direction. Occasionally, you may have felt tough after some decision? Then when things go wrong, you wonder why you didn't listen to the inner warning sound.
We're all clairvoyants. When you think about doing something and feel light when you think about it, that feeling is the result of doing the thing. Your body will always tell you the outcome of your decisions. Your body will tell you whether the choices will bring lightness or unnecessary burden to your life.
When should to check whether your body says no (or yes)
When you feel hunger or thirst, you can ask your body what it wants:
- Body, would you like to get food? (Did you feel light? Or was it a heavy feeling?)
- Body, would you like something to drink?
- Body, would you want something salty?
- Body, would you like something sweet?
- Body, would you like to get something fresh?
- Body, would you like something cooked?
- Body, would you want to get meat?
- Body, would you like to have vegetables?
- Body, would you like to get sweets?
- Body, would you like some water?
- Body, would you want some juice?
This way, you can check the contents of your entire refrigerator (or even the store). Based on the light (yes) or heavy (no) feeling you can now choose what your body would like to have.
I recommend trying out the food that your body wants, even if it is not usually on your menu and when eating, check how your body reacts to it. You may learn to like entirely new dishes.
If your body is restless you could ask:
- Body, would you like to exercise? (Did you feel light? Or was it a heavy feeling?)
- Body, would you like to rest?
- Body, would you like to listen to music?
- Body, would you like to have silence?
- Body, would you like to go outside to nature?
- Body, would you want to be with friends (or family or perhaps you choose yourself)?
You can ask what kind of clothes your body would like to put on.
- This one? (Did you feel light? Or was it a heavy or tight feeling?)
- This one?
- This one?
I have noticed that on those days when I have listened to my body's wishes, I have got a lot of praise for my chosen (read: my body's elected) outfit. Was it a coincidence? I do not believe it was.
You can also ask your body if it would like to wear jewelry or other accessories.
Did you know that you can listen to your body's desires even when you're shopping for clothes and jewelry?
Would you include your body into your life?
Have you ever had a proper conversation with your body?
What is the proper conversation with the body?
Here you find some examples:
- You could caress your body when you have a conversation with it. Notice that I didn't write "when you talk to it"? When you "talk to" someone or something, it's a monologue, and you're not interested in your conversation partner or its opinions. Speaking with your body means you are also listening to what your body says and what kind of feeling your body communicates.
- In the mornings you can wake up your body gently and invite it to experience the new day. You can wish a beautiful morning to your body and ask how she rested. You can tell your body how much you love him, and you can ask what wonderful adventures you could experience together.
- In the evenings, you can caress your body again and tell it how grateful you are for him. You can also say how much you love your body and thank it for helping you to experience the past day. You can also wish her a good night and a restful sleep.
As you may have noticed, the conversation with the body resembles a warm chat with a loved one? - You can also ask your body who it wants to be with. Perhaps you have noticed that sometimes after a meeting you are energetic and sometimes you are excessively tired. Would your body prefer to be with people giving that extra energy?
You can choose one (or many) of the suggested conversations and add them to your daily life. You may be surprised how soon your body starts to thank you.
How much more would you be able to enjoy your life when you had an equal partner in the form of your own body?