Embracing Change with Your Body's Intelligence
Our culture often celebrates and relies on the thinking mind. We're bombarded with information which makes it challenging to focus and make clear decisions. What if I told you that we can tap into another source of wisdom – the intelligence of our own bodies – to navigate life's inevitable changes? Like many, I'm a "doer," comfortable with plans and action. Yet, I've discovered that the real “magic” – creativity, inspiration, "aha" moments – often arises from those uncomfortable spaces of "not doing," like rest, play, or quiet time in nature. Think about the last time you had an "aha" moment? What were you doing or not doing?
The Dance of Change
Life is a constant dance of change, from small daily shifts to major life transitions. Some people seem to glide through these transitions with grace, while others stumble. Whether joyful or difficult, change is the one constant. Instead of resisting or fearing the unknown, what if we could learn to engage with change more gracefully? This involves moving beyond our reliance on the thinking mind and cultivating a deeper connection with our physical selves.
Unlocking Your Body's Wisdom
"Thresholds of Change" by Rebecca Borland Reynolds explores how transitions can be transformative experiences. A key insight is that our bodies hold valuable information and guidance that our minds often overlook. To access this wisdom, we need to shift from constantly "doing" to becoming curious about what our bodies are telling us. Here are some practical ways you can do this:
The Power of the Pause: During a busy day, take short pauses. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and simply notice the sensations in your body. Where do you feel tension? Where do you feel lightness? What emotions arise?
Embodied Awareness: Choose a specific change you're experiencing. As you think about it, pay attention to how your body responds. Does your heart rate increase? Do your muscles tighten? These physical reactions offer clues about your subconscious feelings and beliefs about the change.
Intuitive Guidance: Ask yourself open-ended questions and then turn your attention to your body for the answers. For example, "What is the next small step I can take?" or "What do I need most in this moment?" Notice the first sensations or impulses that arise without judgment.
Movement as Insight: Engage in gentle movement like walking, stretching, or dancing without a specific goal. Allow your body to move freely and notice any insights or emotions that emerge.
Setting Aside Fear and Doubt
When facing the unknown, fear and doubt are natural. However, by learning to "read" our bodies, we can approach these emotions with new awareness. Instead of getting caught up in the story our minds create, we can use our physical sensations as a compass. If a decision feels tight and constricting in your chest, it might not be aligned with your intuition. If an idea feels expansive and light, it could be a sign to move forward.
Embracing the Unknown
Navigating change is not about having all the answers but about developing a trusting relationship with your body. By becoming curious about its wisdom, you can set fear and doubt aside and step into the unknown with greater confidence and grace. The magic isn't always in the "doing"; it's also very much in the being, the feeling, and the intuitive knowing that resides within.
