Our bodies are faithful guides that are always giving us clues about the direction we are taking in life. Unfortunately, since our bodies don’t communicate in words, it’s easy to miss the message in our very thought-centric society. In Yoga class, I am often telling students to listen to their bodies. This is more than just instruction for any physical activity, but an imperative skill that translates into living a better life.
For instance, back in the day, when I was working in corporate accounting, I would often try to get up and practice Yoga prior to work. I found that I often couldn’t rouse myself for that activity and, when I did, I always had a horrible, horrible day – I would feel tired and heavy, as well as VERY cranky. At the time, I attributed it to not getting enough sleep and thought to myself, “Wow, morning Yoga and work just don’t mix, so, I will shift my Yoga practice to after work instead…”
Complete insanity, don’t you think??
This time period popped into my head the other day and I laughed out loud – my body was sending me very clear signals that my job in accounting was the WRONG place for me. I was able to ignore my body signals on days that I practiced Yoga after work, but on the days that I was actually present in my body before work through my Yoga practice, my body was sending a loud and resounding, “NO” to me about my career at that time. Today, I am MUCH better at hearing the wisdom of my body barometer – I know what my body’s “yes” and “no” both feel like in my body, and I listen up and act accordingly.
The point is, that in all cases, if you follow your body barometer by moving away from activities, places, and people that your body barometer says, “No” to, and move toward activities, places, and people that your body reacts in a resounding, “Yes” to, you will find your life moving effortlessly in a positive direction. Now, whether your social conditioning will happily go along for the ride is another story altogether!!
What does it feel like in your body when you are engaged in something or with someone that is clearly not for you? How about something or someone that clearly makes you happy?? Are there times that you experience these sensations in your body and ignore them? Why? Tell me about your body barometer in the comments.
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very informative article. totally the blog gives information about yoga and its importance in our life. plz keep posting article about this and also meditation if possible.
This is exactly what I’ve just started to realize about my own body. Your body definitely has it’s own ways of telling you what and where you need to be in your life – the difficult part is learning to follow it’s lead. Great article!
I was treated to Restorative Yoga during my teacher training. Afterward I felt soooo good. I knew right then that I had to learn more about Restorative and promote it so others could also reap the benefits. Prior to this I always thought I needed to do more, harder, more advanced Yoga. But now I realize that what I need (and probably what many of us need) is to relax, reduce stress and find ease.
Thanks for the article. Namaste ~ Sara
Having a strong and regular pranayama practice, I find that my breath is always my barometer – I get real feedback to my “yes” and “no” people/stituations from my breath
@Kristine – it is an art to learn to listen to our bodies. Especially in our very cognitive-driven society. Are there times it is easier for you to listen? Do you find that your body starts talking “louder” if you don’t pay attention?
@Sue – that is so true about the breath. Can you say more about how that process works for you?
@Sara – it is impossible to honor the body unless we are relaxed and present in our bodies. Restorative Yoga is such a gift to ourselves.
Just came across your blog in Blogher and enjoyed reading your post. Ever since I started practicing and teaching yoga eight years ago, I know exactly what you mean about listening to your body. I am a legal secretary hoping to make a career shift someday. Even though I practice yoga regularly, I just can’t seem to practice yoga before work and often go through my day feeling the tension in my shoulders or the tenseness in my jaw. But I love knowing I can practice yoga when I get home, and it brings me back to how my body should feel, and what I really want out of life. Yoga helps me to survive the tough spots in my job. Oftentimes, I turn to restorative yoga just to get myself back on track. And afterward, I feel like a new woman. Namaste.
@Caryn – it is stunning how wise our bodies are, isn’t it?? I hope you are able to shift your career to something that inspires you and feels good in your body very soon. Thank goodness you have Yoga to sustain you…
Yes! I can wholeheartedly relate to your story. When I began my job in 2005 I immediately knew that it wasn’t for me, even though I had studied for it for 4 years. Because I work in a ‘helping profession’ I convinced myself that I should stick to it because the job was meaningful and I was making a positive contribution to society.
Four years later I still feel the way I did back then, the difference being that after 6 months of yoga teacher training I am beginning to take my body barometer seriously, and about to go part-time at my job with the view to finishing completely at the end of the year.
What does my barometer feel like? My breath is always shallow, and I need to really focus to slow it down. I feel tension in my shoulders and back. I feel overwhelmed no matter how organised I try to be, and I feel disconnected from the people around me during my work days. Basically, I don’t feel at all like myself when I am there.
Thank goodness for yoga, and the wisdom, strength and grace it provides so we can move closer to that which is truly right for us.
Hi
I think your site is great. I was wondering if you wanted to do a link exchange. If you can add me to your blog roll. My site is: http://www.lexiyoga.com
Thanks
Hope to hear from you soon
Lexi
nice and informative post!!!
nice well written post!!!
informative post!!!
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