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How often do you check in with your body? If you're anything like most of us, it’s easy to get wrapped up in personal growth and forget that our body is actually our lifelong partner in this journey.
Your body powers through everything you throw at it—those early morning workouts, late-night emails, and weekend chores. But are you really listening when it’s trying to speak up? I'm not talking about the times it's screaming for a nap or junk food (those signals are hard to miss). I mean those quieter nudges that tell you something’s off, or that you’re out of sync with your authentic self.
For those of us committed to growth and evolution, we spend so much time exploring the mind and spirit. But your body isn’t just a tool for getting things done. It’s the home base for all the magic of self-transformation. And here’s the kicker: it has a lot to say about whether you're living authentically or still stuck in old habits.
Let’s dive into why it’s time to friend your body.
Why Your Body Deserves a Spot in Your Inner Circle
It’s Your Compass
When you're wondering if you're living authentically, your body already knows. That knot in your stomach or tension in your shoulders? It's your body’s way of waving a flag, saying something’s not aligned. The question is: are you listening?
It Tells Stories
Your body holds stories—about your career, your relationships, and who you think you should be. And sometimes, those stories are outdated. If you're serious about stepping into your true self and shedding that old "constructed identity," your body is ready to help you rewrite the script.
It Brings You Into the Moment
Ever try to be present but find your mind wandering? Your body is the ultimate tool to reel you back in. When you pay attention to your breath, movement, or sensations, you become fully present. It's like your body is giving you a gentle (or not-so-gentle) nudge to be in the here and now.
It Knows Your Boundaries
Feeling drained or resentful in certain relationships? That’s your body waving another red flag, telling you that boundaries need reinforcing. When you friend your body, you tune into what feels good and what doesn’t—and you’re better able to act accordingly.
So, instead of bulldozing through life on your quest for growth, what if you tuned into your body? It’s the secret ingredient to showing up more authentically, staying grounded, and feeling good—right now, not just at some distant future milestone.
Tips for Building a Better Relationship with Your Body
Now that we’ve established how much your body has to offer, let’s talk about practical ways to improve your relationship with it:
Listen to its Cues
Your body constantly sends signals—whether it's fatigue, hunger, or discomfort. Start by acknowledging these signals instead of ignoring or overriding them. When you notice tension or stress, take a moment to ask yourself, “What is my body trying to tell me?”
Practice Mindful Movement
Exercise doesn’t have to be grueling to be effective. Try mindful movement practices like yoga, walking, or stretching, where you’re fully present and engaged with how your body feels. It’s about building a sense of appreciation for what your body can do rather than punishing it.
Breathe Deeply
We often underestimate the power of our breath. Taking a few moments throughout the day to focus on deep, conscious breathing can help calm your nervous system and reconnect you with your body. Try this during stressful moments to stay grounded.
Nourish with Love, Not Obligation
Feed your body foods that make it feel energized and nourished, not just out of obligation. Tune into how different foods make you feel. Are they helping you feel vibrant or sluggish? Being mindful about what you consume is a form of self-care.
Cultivate a Body-Positive Mindset
Speak kindly to yourself, especially when it comes to your appearance or capabilities. Avoid negative self-talk and instead focus on gratitude for all the ways your body supports you. Your body is your ally, not something that needs to be “fixed.”
Rest and Restore
We live in a culture that often praises busyness, but your body needs rest to function at its best. Make sleep a priority, and schedule downtime to relax. Rest isn’t a luxury—it’s essential for your body’s health and well-being.
Tune Into Body Awareness for Insight
As a coach, I’m always paying attention to how a client relates to their body—whether it’s their posture, their physical positions, or how they react physically to certain words or questions. Our bodies have a way of communicating things our minds may not even be fully conscious of yet.
For example, when a client slouches or tenses up, it’s often a sign that something deeper is going on beneath the surface. Similarly, a shift in breathing or a subtle tightening in response to a word or phrase can reveal emotional patterns, unresolved tension, or even unspoken fears. This is why I encourage clients to pay attention to how they hold themselves in certain moments.
Tuning into a specific movement, position, or bodily sensation can offer incredible insights. If your shoulders are always tight when you think about work, for instance, what is your body trying to communicate about your relationship with it? Or if you instinctively cross your arms when discussing a certain topic, what protection or boundary might you be signaling?
These physical responses are like breadcrumbs that can lead you to a deeper understanding of your authentic self and your inner needs. And the beauty of this process is that your body offers you real-time feedback. The more you listen, the more you’ll be able to tap into the wisdom it holds.
Incorporating your body into your personal growth journey isn’t just about physical health—it’s about accessing a wealth of information and insight that helps you live more authentically and in alignment with your true self. As a coach, I’ve seen firsthand how this shift can unlock powerful transformations.
Are you ready to start listening?
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