There are times when we feel let down by our body because it is unable to adequately support us through life. We get sick, tired, injured or affected by disease. The body part or system that has been afflicted soon becomes the target of disappointment, blame and anger. When faced with a chronic or recurring condition, the emotional rollercoaster created by repeated setbacks can leave us feeling empty and numb. The condition becomes the focus of blame and our body is seen as something foreign that has been invaded. Before true healing can take place we must end the battle and make peace with our body.
Our bodies are sending us messages all the time but we usually don’t pay attention until the signal becomes one of pain or disease. The body and mind are not separate, but far too often we become preoccupied by our external condition and neglect to pay attention to what is going on inside us. Initially, it may be comforting to distract ourselves with rationalizations and blame rather than to really take in the situation for what it is. The reality is that sometimes bad things happen to good people and no amount of explanation or blame will make the problem go away. The negativity created by focusing on blaming a disease, a person or ourselves is not conducive to healing. The blame does not serve you or your body and hanging on to it only gives greater power to the ailment.
When dealing with an ailment, condition or disease, there is a great deal of uncertainty created since the impact of the outcome is unknown. There are times when the physical pain and anxiety become so overwhelming that disconnecting from the source of pain becomes our only reprieve and escape. When we are ready to accept the current situation without judgment, we see that the body is not our enemy. When the body is in distress, it is calling for our attention, compassion and trust. Appreciate your body for supporting you through the years despite the stresses you have placed on it. Acknowledge the strength of your body as it carried you through to this point. It can be easy to feel resentful when your body is no longer able to do what you had been accustomed to doing. Being in a state of gratitude allows us to honour, and to continue to welcome, the resilience of the body. Your body is your ally and you need to work with it to accomplish your health goals.
We often take for granted that our body is more than just a physical entity; it has memory, intuition, sensation and innate wisdom. By consciously becoming aware of the wisdom of the body we can tap into our ability to heal from the inside. Quieting the mind allows us to be open to really understanding what our body is telling us. Reconnecting with your body can be as simple as sitting quietly with your eyes closed and consciously breathing. Slowly and deeply inhale from your nose and then slowly and deeply exhale from your mouth. If you get distracted by thoughts just redirect your focus to your breath. Feel the sensations throughout your body as breath comes in and out of your body. Notice the parts of you that feel invigorated. Pay attention to the thoughts and feelings that are emerging. This is your body communicating with you! Your body may be telling you to rest, slow down, stop worrying or to trust. Whatever the message, allowing the body and mind to act as one establishes the feeling of wholeness, an essential component of healing.
“The part can never be well unless the whole is well.” (Plato)
Copyright Dr. Julie Doobay 2024
