“Recent studies and discoveries increasingly point out that we heal primarily in and through the body, not just through the rational brain. We can all create more room, and more opportunities for growth, in our nervous systems. But we do this primarily through what our bodies experience and do—not through what we think or realize or cognitively figure out.” ― Resmaa Menakem, My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies
I’m a recovering Type A person who likes structure and control in order to feel like I have a handle on what the heck is going on. I’ve frequently sacrificed sleep for getting more done. Then I started leaning into the wisdom of the body. Instead of pushing through the anxiety, I ask, how can I bring more safety to this? Where in my body can I find safety right now? I’ve had to make more space in my days, in my life, to be present in my body. My anxiety hasn’t disappeared (although cutting out coffee did wonders for releasing anxiety), but walking hand-in-hand instead of pushing through has led to deep levels of healing and self trust. Do not vacate yourself. Make room. As Rumi says, “This being human is a guest house… Welcome and entertain [it] all.” Learn to tune into your body. Track your body data. Notice when joy comes up, when shame arrives, when fear rears her three heads. Notice these things and make room. You are deepening your capacity, your healing, and your ability to be fully and deeply present in your live. This is the journey to aliveness.
Lean into the wisdom of your body,
JESS
These Soulful Sunday blogs go out weekly on Sundays to be used as a place to step back from the hustle and bustle and explore what your soul might be saying to you. Some folks use these as journal prompts and let loose amidst pages. Some folks bring them to the kitchen table and jam over coffee. Do you, boo.
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