Jordan has been practicing massage therapy for over 25 years. She can be reached at 440-461-9774.
by Jordan Brown
The human body is a never-ending source of miracle. Within it lies the power to self-heal, to create new life, to make a heart beat, to keep breath flowing in and out, and to balance and move us. We accept these miracles of our bodies as if they are “no big deal.” At times, we may even regard our body as a hindrance with its periodic pesky need for food, water, and sleep. We want to keep working or playing without having to slow down and actually pay attention.
But what if these acts of slowing down to nourish ourselves were exactly the point? Our body can tell us what we need to hear at exactly the right time, if only we will listen.
Sometimes, when we have closed our ears to it for a very long time, our body must literally hit us over the head to get a point across. Slow down! it cries, when we get sick and burnt out.
For many of us, taking time for ourselves sounds “selfish,” “not possible,” or even “scary.” In reality, it is very natural, right, and necessary to give to ourselves.
Does this sound strange? Think of the instructions you receive when flying: “Those of you traveling with small children or seated by a child, make sure to place the oxygen mask over your own face and secure before attempting to help your child.” We can’t be much use to others if we have forgotten the important first step of making sure that we ourselves are well-tended.
Tuning in to inner wisdom comes in many forms, but all methods involve slowing down, taking space, honoring our uniqueness and being willing to care about ourselves. What we experience by taking the time to listen to our body’s unique voice will differ, but the care and consideration we are able to give to ourselves will ripple outward from a freshly cherished core to connect us with our world anew.
