Learning to Listen to My Body – What to Pay Attention To
I used to think that I could become whole without paying attention to what I eat. I am learning now that this is a mistake. It is a known fact that what we eat effects our physical well-being. Our body regenerates itself from the foods that we consume. Yes, the phrase you are what you eat rings true. Rupina Meer sums it up pretty well in her article for My Yoga Online:
“It’s speaking the language of symptoms and sensations. That’s how our body talks to us. Each symptom, each ache and pain, each rash, sniffle and sneeze is our body communicating with us. These every day run-of-the-mill body sensations are the constant whispers (or screams) to make us stop and listen to what our body is trying to say.
If your body is having a long monologue all day, every day, you are not having a great relationship with your body. The secret to feeling great in your body is to convert those boring monologues into trusted dialogues. You have to cultivate a two-way street where your body speaks to you, and you respond. But interpreting the body’s quirky Morse code requires a deep level of awareness.”
Read on at My Yoga Online to discover what your body wants you to know.
It took severe and sort of scary physical symptoms to bring me to this level of awareness. I am recognizing, as Meer mentions, that my body is sensitive to certain ingredients such as gluten and while I don’t drink caffeine, I find myself craving carbs and sweets a majority of the time. My magnesium levels are low, and I am sluggish, grumpy. My pH levels are lower than what they should be.
I’m still struggling, but I am getting better. The hardest part has been getting out of old habits. Concrete goals is what I need – and here they are. One goal for body, mind & Spirit -
- Body: Gluten Free living
- Mind: Daily Meditation
- Spirit: Sun Salutation Routine & Gratitude List
They say it takes 3 weeks to establish a routine, so that’s what I’m aiming for. Stay tuned!
Many Blessings,
Rachel
