I am currently coming to the tail-end of a 200-hr Yoga Teaching Course at The Practice, where I was once a co-owner.
I am loving being immersed back into the (VERY) traditional teachings of Hatha Yoga; which is very science-based, in that the practices are taught in a very intentional, sequential and strategic sequence, to ensure that a specific feeling and mental outcome is created, which is also teachable and replicable.
A complete Hatha Yoga practice – always – has movement (Asana), stillness for integration (Savasana), intentional breathing to influence the nervous system (Pranayama), and meditation.
One of the primary benefits of this practice is to initiate a deeper connection to our physical body, at a dense level, but also at a more subtle energetic level.
If you boil us down to the bare bones, we are all energy, frequency and vibration (I think Nikolas Tesla said something like that).
So my very singular point today is about how well, and how deeply are you listening to you body.
Before you answer that question, let’s go on a short exploration, and then cycle back.
What I have noticed
Essentially, I have been poking around this wellness space for the last 26-years or so, and as a fulltime profession for the last 17+ years.
And here is my observation on people and their “listening skills” when it comes to their body “speaking” to them.
Most people experience (hear or sense) pain or discomfort in their body, and then in a rush to get rid of it, open up the bathroom cabinet and reach for some “pills”, or make an appointment to see the Doctor.
And of course, I am not talking here about a bone poking out of your skin and blood pumping out to splatter on the floor, type of pain.
In that case, get to the hospital, ASAFP!
What I am talking about more is the general, every day, pains, aches, and discomfort we might feel, that shows up “randomly”, builds up over time, or persists over a longer time.
The knee pain, or shoulder pain, or back pain, or digestion issues, or shortness of breath, Etc..
I have a fundamental belief that the human body is MIRACULOUS!!
And it is also on the same team as your “I AM”.
It is sending you a message for your benefit – if you are ready, willing, and able to listen deeply.
Yes, involve whatever medical professionals you need to, BUT first…
LISTEN DEEPLY TO WHAT YOUR BODY MIGHT BE TRYING TO TELL YOU.
Almost always (except for the broken bone sticking out of the arm scenario ;-)) there is some “emotional” or “lifestyle” thing needing your attention.
For instance:
- Are you working too hard?
- Are you avoiding a tough conversation with someone close to you?
- Do you feel unsupported by your partner, family or even work?
- Are you fearful about your financial situation?
- Are you pushing yourself too hard due to impatience, or some other subconscious program?
- Do you feel lost or like you are going backwards?
- Do you feel ashamed of something you did?
Of course, there will be times where a very obvious physical thing is causing pain.
Like pumping iron at the gym and having the experience of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), where your muscles are aching for days after.
Or not drinking enough water, becoming dehydrated, and experiencing a headache.
But even with the headache example, if you listen deeply, it might not just be about a lack of water; it might also be about working too hard, for too long, and letting a feeling of stress or anxiety build up in your mind.
The key message is this:
“How well and deeply are you listening to your body, before reaching for something outside of yourself to ‘fix’ it?”
My ‘guess’ is that with all of your aches and pains, there is very likely a specific or metaphorical or even a general message for you, which very well may be the ROOT CAUSE of your ailments.
You can still take whatever medical path or use whatever healing modality you prefer, but ALWAYS tune in to see if there is a relevant message wrapped in the strange wrapping paper of your discomfort.
In Summary
Regardless of the treatment option you go for when you are experiencing pain, aches and discomfort ALWAYS listen as deeply as you can to your body’s innate intelligence to try and better understand what might be going on at a deeper (core) level.
In almost all cases there are likely to be valuable insights in the messages from our bodies.
It is dealing with the non-physical body elements (emotions, relationships, lifestyles, etc.), which may bring the lasting relief and evolution you truly desire.
My Parting Words
I will keep this short, as I still have to get myself sorted for the yoga teaching exams in the next couple of days. 😉
I wrote this article, as this is a (very) common occurrence with my clients and people I speak to.
The most common practice people do is to hear the surface level pain message (which is important in order to remove us from further harm), BUT don’t stick around to hear what other profound messages might be under it.
At a deeper level.
Feel free to ask those types of questions, like I listed above.
Is there other – emotional – stuff that is going on in your life right now?
And then see if dealing with that “situation” causes the discomfort in the body to leave, or express itself differently.
ALWAYS see if there is something DEEPER going on, beyond any physical discomfort.
It is all about learning and growing, and using ALL the resources at our disposal, in order to have the greatest life experience possible.
Reaching our fullest potential.
And experiencing more love, joy and peace.
Who doesn’t want more of that 3-part cocktail?
Have a fabulous day, and a week of deep and meaningful conversations with your highly intelligent body and mind.
Take care.
Carl
Quotable QUOTE:
“How well and deeply are you listening to your body, before reaching for something outside of yourself to ‘fix’ it?” Carl Massy
(Author of 18 Ways We Make Life WAY Harder Than It Needs To Be)
PS: Have you read or listened to this book yet? 18 Ways We Make Life WAY Harder Than It Needs To Be
