Body Wisdom

I know a few of you have been holding out for this blog, as I mentioned last week I was going to lean into the wisdom of the human body. 

In the wild world of holistic wellness, one of the most profound journeys I have pursued is reconnecting with the wisdom of my body. The human body is a magnificent vessel of life that possess an extraordinary wisdom, an innate intelligence. An intelligence that guides us, supports us, and loves us in ways we may not fully comprehend – an intelligence that is unfortunately silenced by society. By tuning into this body wisdom, you can learn to appreciate the subtle messages your body to deepen the connection with yourself.

As an Intuitive Wellness Guide and a human being on this journey of self-discovery, I have found that guiding others to listen to their bodies is rarely easy. From early on in life, so many of us, myself included have been conditioned to ignore or become disconnected from our inner signals — told to “eat all your food” despite feeling full or to “wear a jacket” even when your body is a comfortable temperature.

These well-intentioned recommendations, or sometimes commands taught us to mistrust our bodily instincts in order to feel accepted and loved.

Our bodies, like the Earth, are cyclical and attune to the rhythms of nature. Just as the seasons change, our bodies require periods of creativity, productivity, play and rest. Some of us move through our days like cogs in machines, pushing through fatigue and ignoring the subtle whispers of our bodies (I’ve been there too!).

Our bodies constantly communicate with us through the language sensations, emotions and physical cues. This language is a powerful tool for understanding our needs. Some people can move through their whole entire life without being aware of the sensations of their body and the wisdom that can be gained from these sensations.

Imagine, just for today, if you chose a different path, if you decided to choose you and your body. What if you decided to trust and tune into all the messages and sensations of your body? Each morning and evening, take a moment to ask your body, “What do you need right now?” Continue this dialogue as you flow through each day. Ask yourself, “Am I hungry?” “Am I tired?” “How do I feel after eating this?” “How does being with this person make me feel?” Notice any areas of tension—where is the tension or discomfort located and how does it feel?

At first, these questions might seem foreign, and the answers a little unclear. Be patient. It might have been a little while or been a long time since you have truly listened to and felt the sensations of your body. Re-learning this language, understanding this body-talk will take time, as would learning a foreign language.

You might wonder, “Why go to all this effort?”

Reconnecting with the wisdom of your body is essential for a healthy, meaningful, connected and pleasurable life. I am sure you can relate to feeling let down by your body when faced with illness or discomfort. What if these were simply signals indicating that you may have lost your way? What if your body, in her infinite love for you, is merely trying to guide you back to balance?

I invite you to take a moment to reflect on the times you made ‘excuses’ for habits that  were not serving you — staying late at work, indulging in excessive alcohol or bingeing on junk food. The quiet yet firm response from your body would most likely be, “Not this again. Because I love you, I will guide you to choose something more nourishing.”

When we ignore these signals, our bodies may escalate their warnings — from minor colds & headaches to more severe and sometimes chronic conditions.

This isn’t punishment; it’s nourishment.

Our bodies are fiercely and so lovingly trying to communicate their needs for health and harmony. Your body and my body are intricate systems designed to support and love us unconditionally. From healing wounds when the body sustains an injury to fighting off infections, our bodies are equipped with incredible self-healing capabilities. This constant repair work happens behind the scenes.

The way the body adapts to various conditions, such as changes in temperature, altitude, and physical demands is impressive. This adaptability ensures our survival and comfort in diverse environments. From infancy to adulthood, our bodies grow and evolve, supporting us through every stage of life. This continuous development reflects the profound intelligence of our biological systems.

Our bodies remain firm in their truth. They tell us, “You are enough. You have always been enough. I love you.” Embracing this wisdom can be challenging, especially when we have ingrained ideas of inadequacy. Yet, our bodies are our most loyal supporters, always seeking good health for us as a collective.

There are multiple ways that our bodies reveal their wisdom. Keep reading to find out more. Like a watchful guardian, pain and discomfort alert us to potential harm, urging us to take action and care for ourselves. The primal signals of hunger and thirst remind us to nourish and hydrate our bodies, ensuring we have the energy to navigate the jungle of life.

Fatigue is our body’s way of telling us to rest and recharge. Bursts of energy signal that we are ready for new adventures. Our bodies hold and process emotions, manifesting them as physical emotional responses. A racing heart during stress or butterflies in the stomach during excitement are just a few examples of how emotions are embodied.

Not so long ago I wrote an ode to my body, reciting it while standing naked in front of a mirror (some of you may be thinking wow – she’s game for doing that). I am sharing this letter with you in the hope that it inspires your own journey of self-love and appreciation.

Dear Beautiful Body,

Thank you for being my sanctuary on this Earth.  

Thank you for your smile and the stories you tell.  

Thank you for the tears that help me grieve all that was meant for and not meant for me.  

Thank you for giving me the freedom to move with curiosity.

Thank you for being the vessel I explore and discover the world with.  

Thank you for teaching me the language of love.  

Thank you for being my diary of life, storing memories of all that has happened so far.  

Thank you for giving me signs to slow down when I am busy running through the jungle of life.  

From the beginning to the end, you are my closest companion on this Earth.

If you would like you are most welcome to use this gratitude letter as a guide to express appreciation to your body, or you can create your own. If you are called to do so, feel free to share these words with us in the comments below.

The intelligence and wisdom of the human body showcases our inherent resilience and ability to nurture ourselves. By tuning into this wisdom and cultivating a loving relationship with our bodies, we can unlock a deeper sense of well-being and harmony. Embrace the intelligence from your body, honour its signals, and appreciate the unconditional support it provides every single day in the vast and vibrant jungle of life.

Find out more about the sensations of your body next week.

Cherish the Wisdom of your body, nourish its vitality

Hannah xx