Listening...

Lately, I’ve been reminded that the answers may be in listening. 

Listening to my body.

Not in a dramatic way. Not in a “perfect wellness routine” kind of way. But in the smallest, most ordinary moments.

When I’m tired and push through anyway.

When I have to use the restroom but decide to finish one more task.

When I feel thirsty but tell myself I’ll take that sip of water later.

When I feel the subtle tightness of overwhelm and ignore it.

Every time I override those signals, I pay for it later.

Lately, I pay at night.

I fall asleep, but sometime in the middle of the night I’m jolted awake — often because I need to use the restroom (thanks, middle age!).

Once awake, my body is wired. My head is exhausted and I am desperate for sleep, but it doesn’t come. I lie there feeling as if my body is running a marathon, even though I’m perfectly still in bed.

Through my own work with S.L.O.W.E.R., I’m beginning to realize that my body has been speaking all day — and I haven’t been listening.

I know, it feels kind of silly that I’m only now recognizing this.

Our world moves at a breakneck speed, and I am guilty of indulging in all of the distractions available.

Guess what? I’m realizing that it only makes things worse. Amazing!!

When I ignore my body’s basic cues, I’m teaching it that its signals don’t matter. By nighttime, it doesn’t trust that rest will actually be honored, so it stays alert.

So, I am beginning to learn to listen. Honestly, I haven’t made any dramatic changes yet — only listening.

And maybe that’s where it begins.