What’s your body telling you?

Ever ignore signs from your body?

How often does your body give you a sign that something hurts or something is not going right? That something is too much or too little?

We think pushing at 120% means we will get everything we want. But, at what cost? We often ignore our body signals and keeping going full throttle until our bodies break down. In past years, I’ve wrecked my health doing too much of everything. So, when my body gives me that signal, I listen.

Can I share a short story?

I knew I was overdue for some mountain time far from the electronic and plugged in world. This backpacking trip was one of a kind. We took a train, got dropped off in the middle of the mountains, and hiked up into a gorgeous basin full of lush green meadows, steep granite, and flowing creeks.

The first day, I was much slower than the rest of the group going. It had been some time since I carried a 40+ pound pack on my back. I took my time and enjoyed the gorgeous scenery along the way. The following day, we goal was to hike a 14,000ft mountain. However, my body wasn’t having any of it. Half way, I developed lightheadedness and kept going for a while. Shortly before reaching the top, I became queasy – another symptom of altitude sickness. I started to lose my footing, and almost fell over. Despite being so close to the top, I decided to head back down the mountain forgoing the summit. While I easily could get irritated at myself for not being in better shape or not training enough, I accepted myself for where I was.

The difference was this. My goal was very different than my friends who were also there. Their goal was to summit the 4 surrounding 14,000ft mountains. My goal was to get unplugged from electronics, enjoy the beauty of the mountains, relax, and get some exercise via hikes each day. So, on the second day, I skipped the group hike and solo hiked half way up and enjoyed a nap in 3 beautiful locations along the trail. The first nap was with mountain goats roaming around a crystal clear alpine lake settled underneath high peaks. The second nap was among wild flowers and a huge waterfall. The third nap was catching sun rays while laying on slab rock near the end of the trail.

I listened to my body. I needed rest.

I needed to hear the rustling of the flowing water, clearing away any negativity. Along the way, I found a vibrant orange butterfly, silly mountain goats, a white moth that led me up the trail, saw multiple shades of green, and blue and purple wildflowers.

Instead of the go, go, go. I became more aware of my surroundings. Took in every deep breath of fresh crisp mountain air, and listened to my body. I accepted myself where I was. I didn’t need to follow someone else’s goals. I only needed to be aligned with my own truth.

So, I ask you this:

-What signals is your body telling you?

-Where do you need more self-acceptance?

Wishing you an abundant, joyful and prosperous day!