Learning to Listen

Our bodies work hard. All too often, we steadily do more and more and more until we simply crash. After months and years of pushing ourselves to the limit, we wonder why our bodies start to give in—why our backs start aching, why headaches creep in, and often, why fear follows.

Our bodies weren’t meant to be pushed to the brink and then pushed some more. Rest needs to come into the picture, and respect for the body needs to make its way back up to the top of the priority list.

Learning how to listen to our bodies is an ancient art that somehow got lost in the busyness of our lives. Instead of tuning inward, our antennae are turned outward—to schedules, jobs, families, responsibilities, and expectations from ourselves and others. But every ache, pain, or symptom that you feel is a message from your body. Your job is to listen. What is your body trying to tell you? Once you change your perspective, fear has a chance to roll away. You begin to develop a deeper respect for your body and everything it does for you.

Do not over-abuse your body. Listen to it. Respect it. It’s the only one you have.