what does your body need?

When our lives are full and we wear many different hats and play a variety of roles, it can be easy to get swept up in the flow of schedules, “adulting”, schlepping and putting ourselves last on the list.

Particularly as a parent, I have to be intentional about checking in with my self, body and needs repeatedly throughout the day, so I make sure I am getting what I need.

In the past, my default was to completely ignore any communication my body was trying to get across to me, in service of getting everything done on my to-do list before I allowed myself a break.

This led to me to completely running my body in the ground.

NEWSFLASH I have come to the realization that there is NO way everything will ever be completely “done”.

There is always another sink of dishes coming, a load of laundry to do, a child to care for, a room to clean, an email to write, something else to check off on the list for work or family, etc.

What is essential through all of it, is my capacity. I am no use to anyone burned out, exhausted, frustrated, in pain, etc.

Building capacity in my body and energy, begins with the skill of being able to identify my needs in any given moment.

As a recovering people pleaser, this has been something I have had to learn and am still learning. I overrode my needs so frequently growing up, when I first started this exploration I didn’t know how to even tune into what my body was asking of me.

Our default autopilot way of being in the world can be magnetic. It is very seductive for our bodies to keep going in the same groove.

At the beginning it takes more intention to interrupt these old ways of being.

To shift my patterns and rebuild this connection to myself and my body’s needs, I had/have to be PATIENT with myself and prioritize the PAUSES.

In the PAUSE I get to check in with my system:

What does my body need right now?

• Water?

• Sitting down for 5 minutes to rest?

• Something to eat?

• Do I need to pee?

• Is there an emotion that needs a moment to express?

This is your permission to check in with your body right now.

PAUSE and listen

What does your body need?

How can you honor what you notice?

A little tip: If you are struggling to remember to check in with your self, I invite you to set an alert on your phone to go off periodically throughout the day that says “Pause-What does my body need right now?”

XO Sara

If you are looking for a devoted space where you can reconnect to your self, your body and your needs, I invite you to check out some of my 1-1 offerings or set up a connection call below. As a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and Multidimensional Guide there are many ways I can support you on your journey and help you expand your capacity to navigate all the threads with more ease and joy.