Identifying our Physical Needs

We have many layers to our body. I think that the first step is definitely starting with our physical body. It's right here, we can touch it and it is with us at all times. Getting to know our bodies and getting to listen to our bodies can be a really powerful first step to wellness, and more specifically identifying our physical needs. So, what does our body need? It sounds like a simple concept but I think there's many of us who haven't even considered that we have needs. I had gotten really good at ignoring all the signals, ignoring what my body needed, and maybe not even considering what I needed. I think we often are caught up in what's the responsible thing to do, what does everyone else want to do, what would be the easiest, what would be most convenient ... but not necessarily thinking about what we need. In terms of physical there are some things that are actual needs. We need food, we need water, but let's get more specific with ourselves in terms of how often we need to eat and what makes our body feel good. How much water do you really need? And are you planning for that? Are you planning for those those times to eat? Are you planning for that water intake?

So I challenge you to start really identifying what you need. So you can even keep a running list on your fridge or in your phone. Whatever works for you but starting to really think about it. Some of the things might surprise you. So for me, I definitely need warmth in some way or form. Cold feels like pain to me, so I need to plan for that I need to make sure I have the appropriate weather wear. So these are things that we can do for ourselves. What are the other needs that you have to make your physical body feel well? I also know that sometimes I need quiet. So I need to plan in that section of quiet time that's apart from other people in order for me to decompress, to restore and reset. If I ignore that need then I will have the consequences that follow. Depending on what physical need we're ignoring it could be irritability, illnesses, that rundown feeling, or that tired feeling. Inevitably it will catch up with us. I think we try to convince ourselves that we can do it all and that we can push through it. We almost wear it like a badge of honor. That we can keep pushing, that we can make it without, that we can keep pushing through pain, or keep pushing through this or that. But, you know, isn't really a badge of honor. I think for myself I've come to realize it it's more honorable to take care of ourselves enough so that we are full. That way we can serve the way that we know we were meant to, we can be the role model that we want to be, we can be proud of ourselves at the end of the day, and we can feel good about what we did.

So I would love to encourage you to work on that. Keep a running list, and anything that pertains to your physical well being can go on there. This is our first step to really planning in things for ourselves that we need. Look for things around your eating, drinking, your physical sensations (i.e warmth).

Remember that it is okay to want to feel good and we are supposed to feel good every day. So hopefully you do well with this! I wish you luck! Let's do this ... let's start to get in tune with our bodies and start to really know what we need.

5 Ways Chakras Can Become Blocked

Just like everything else in life our energetic system also needs balance.  If one or more of our chakras become blocked, our whole energetic system can be out of balance.  This imbalance can result in physical, psychological or emotional difficulties.  But how does this happen?  How do our chakras become blocked?  Here are 5 ways … 

1. Physical Trauma

Our energetic system is what carries the life force energy through our whole body.  Interruption in this system can occur when our physical body is impacted by an illness or injury of any kind.  Although we may have superficially healed from this event, oftentimes there is an underlying memory of this event held within our body.  

2. Emotional Trauma

Emotional trauma can include a range of events ranging from isolated, minor incidents to chronic situations.  We experience events where these emotions may be too much to process all at once and these emotions remain in our body.  Losses that we have endured and violations of our trust can also remain within our body.  Our nervous system can become overwhelmed, triggering our “fight or flight” instinct.  Our physiological mechanisms can help us to function in everyday life by separating us from our trauma.  However, this trauma remains stored in our body resulting in blockages in our energetic system.

3. Longstanding Limiting Beliefs

Beliefs are thoughts that are held to be true.  Limiting beliefs are those negative beliefs we hold as truth regarding ourselves or how the world works that are holding us back from truly loving ourselves and living our best lives.  Over time, the reinforcement of these beliefs can contribute to blockages within the corresponding chakra.

4. Chronic Stress

Today’s modern lifestyle has us conditioned for chronic stress.  Our busyness keeps us operating in the sympathetic nervous system (“fight or flight”) and tension builds in our physical body.  These areas of tension can contribute to blockages within our energy system.  

5. Unhealthy Lifestyle

All of our daily choices can contribute to our overall health.  From our choice of food, to thought patterns, to our environment, to movement and sleep patterns.  Each decision can contribute to the overall health of our energetic system.

Live the Example!

Are you living the example you want to set for the next generation?  

Whether you are a parent or not this is an important question for us all.  We all know the famous saying, "Do as I say not as I do".  Also, we know that this saying does not work!  We know from our own childhood and from watching the children around us that children are watching and listening to everything happening around them.  They are learning their values and their role in society with every experience.  

As we move through life I encourage you to think about the impact of your life.  What values are you exemplifying?  Would you hope that your children would follow in your footsteps?  We all with have missteps along the way and that is okay too!  In this we are showing our children that we are human and with that comes moments of fallibility and opportunity for growth.  This is no easy task we are challenged with and we may need to remind ourselves of daily of what truly matters to us.  

So the next time we are neglecting our health or holding back our passions let's ask ourselves, "Would I want this for my children?"

I'd like to pass on the following advice to my children and all children:

*Make your physical/mental/spiritual health and wellbeing a priority.

*Be present in the moment ... don't let the worries of the past or future get in the way of enjoying each present moment.

*Follow your heart not expectations ... defy expectations that conflict with the passion inside you!

*Do what brings you joy, wear what makes you smile and ignore the judgements from the outside.

What example do you want to pass on??

What is your body telling you?

What does it mean when a "good day" is one where you made it through to bedtime without developing a headache or chest pains? Or not needing to dose yourself with alcohol, sugar ...?

There are so many instances of our physical bodies manifesting our over-stressed lifestyles. We all feel like we're "okay" and that we can push through it.  Are we merely covering up the stress throughout the day, crashing at the end and then waking up to repeat?  Are we happy with the choices we've made?  Are we considering the long term effects of the repeated stress on our bodies and minds?  

 But when will our body push back. Let's all take some time to reflect on what that pain in our (____ fill in the blank) is trying to tell us.  Like when you are suffering from constant shoulder pain  maybe your body is telling you to stop carrying so much on that side (I didn't say it was going to always be a profound message!  Lol!).  Or I often will feel a quick sharp pain in my leg and then I realize that I have been running throughout my day.  My body is reminding me to slow down.  Then there are the more serious signals our bodies are sending us through digestive symptoms, diseases and injury.  Our bodies are very good at self-preservation and are crying out to us to get the message across that we need to take care of ourselves.  Are you listening?? 

I challenge you to stop and reflect on how you have been feeling physically and emotionally.  Now look at your day ... is there any down time?  What are your coping strategies for stress?  Any lifestyle changes that need to be made?  Are there any ways you could lighten the load?  (Now really look again because I bet there is something that could be adjusted/cut out/delegated/reduced).  

Love to all of you!  Let's all slow down and "care for you"!