Befriending My Body

Photo Source: joshDubya, Flickr, Creative Commons

In my practice this week, I've been exploring the question: What kind of relationship do I have with my body?

In the past, I would say that my body and I had nothing short of an abusive relationship. My life at the time was all about Mountain Biking and Snowboarding, and I could not have given a rat's behind about what my body had to say regarding my lifestyle choices. If my knees hurt, I would tape them. If my back hurt, I’d pop a few pills. Basically, anytime my body screamed, I would plug my ears and sing "La La La".

Then one day my body said: "Stop! Listen missy! I won’t let you do anything you love until you pay attention!” And so the riding stopped, my heart slowed down, and I began to listen.
For the first time I wondered “What does my body need? What do I need?” And that’s when Yoga showed up at my front door and took me on my crazy inner-journey.

"The most profound pilgrimage I can ever make is within my own body". Saraha

Yoga has taught me to honor my body just as it is, in the moment. It showed me that, if I really take the time to listen and be curious, all I need to know, about my body and my Self, is available to me. While my mind shoots out an insane amount of unrealistic advice, my body has simple and practical solutions for me to apply in my daily life. By listening to it, I stay present and open not only to what's happening for me physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well.

“Though at times we look for outside sources to guide us, somewhere deep inside we know that we must slow down, reconnect with ourselves, and listen to our own inner voice.” Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy

Today my body and I are like old friends. We know each other very intimately, we piss each other off periodically, and we love each other regardless. Thank-you old body, old friend. You’ve brought me joy and wisdom in the most unexpected ways.

What has been my most significant learning through all these years of practice?
Less is more and consistency is the key. A short, simple practice everyday, with the intention of getting acquainted with my body, has helped me feel so much more anchored in my life.

Here's my favourite way to "befriend my body". I invite you to try it out and see what happens.

Conscious Bubble Bathing!

• Ease yourself into the full tub.
• Sit and allow yourself to breathe. Nothing to do, nowhere to go…
• Enjoy the bath and be present to it. (10 minutes or longer...)

I leave you with my favourite reading to take with you as you soak in the tub:

"My old friend. My dear faithful body. How you’ve stood by me my whole life! Supporting my movements and strength, providing a solid structure with which I walk the earth. You have been with me through heaven and hell, ceaselessly serving me well. My dear old friend. My body. How may I now serve you?" Source unknown