OT:Listening to Our Bodies

Illness Lessons

When our body, mind, and spirit are in balance, we experience good health. But sometimes we get caught up in life’s parade of change and movement, and things get out of balance. Just as there are seasons in nature, our bodies go through times of cleansing and times of activity. Illness is one way our bodies restore the balance they seek, as it cleanses the buildup of unwanted manifestations of negative energy in our system. When we are not feeling our best, we can go beyond addressing the physical symptoms to listen to our bodies as they tell us the changes needed to restore balance.

Our bodies give us signals, but if we don’t listen when they tell us that they are tired or stressed, then the imbalance increases and a stronger message is required, one that is generally expressed by illness or dis-ease. The first step to regaining equilibrium involves slowing down, eating healthy food, getting more rest, and taking soothing remedies. Once we have nurtured ourselves with these things, we can begin examine our illness for the message. A heavy head may be a sign that we have been thinking negatively, harboring anger, resentment, or guilt. A sore throat may be telling us we have been speaking without integrity—gossip, insults, twisting the truth, or even speaking ill of ourselves, all of which can knock us off balance. A sore throat and swollen glands can also mean you are cleansing and processing some powerful emotions at present. Stomach problems could mean that we are having trouble accepting or “digesting" something. Only you have the knowledge of your th! oughts and choices that will allow you to decipher the messages from your body. All it takes is time and attention.

When we take the time to listen to our bodies we can learn how to restore our balance and improve our lives. By honoring the messages of our bodies, we can turn a time of illness into a constructive time of restoration, healing, and revitalization.

Thanks Darlene sometimes we need to be reminded of this!

I am in total agreement that we need to listen to our bodies.  My body lets me know when I need more water even when I ignore the "I'm thirsty" mechanism.  I can also tell when I am running low on meat because I crave red meat like crazy.  I think we are, if we listen, our best physician.  But, when I get a sore throat, it's usually from strep.  I do, though, feel the heavy head from doing way too much. 

Sometimes we need reminding that we are our best advocate for our own health.

Good post ....thanks Darlene!!!

Love ya...hugs....connie d

Do you find that post-WLS you "hear" what your body has to say more easily than before?

I do; and I pay more attention when it "speaks" now and I am ok with pressing the docs for answers. 

Just my 2 cents on the topic!  Thanks for posting this, Darlene.

Darlene,
Such a good reminder to listen to our bodies.  This is one thing I have always done pretty well.  Lately (the past 4 -5 weeks) I've been dealing with a health issue that caught me way off guard and I find now that I am being too overly sensitive and hearing things that a may not be there.......every twinge makes my eyes bug wondering what that was.......  I need to listen but not look for trouble.

Ruth