At the end of last week’s e-mail, I suggested that if you haven’t done so recently, please get your cancer screenings like a mammogram. Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is a good time to remind yourself and others of the importance of that screening – and other cancer screenings. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in women, with the leading cause of death being heart disease.
But here’s the thing, I encourage you to take time each day to listen to your body. I talk a lot about listening to your loud whisper, your intuition, your heart. But our mind, body and spirit are all intertwined. When something is going on in our bodies, it can affect our mind and spirit as well – and vice versa. You can only compartmentalize an issue in one area for so long before it begins affecting other areas.
What do I mean? Think about a time when you were stressed, overloaded. You might be able to handle that stress for a little while. Or be able to handle a certain amount of stress. But at some point, it’s going to affect your mood. Maybe you can’t sleep. You become irritable. You have less patience with your family, friends, and different situations. Then it starts to affect your body. You may stop eating or you may overeat. You crave sweets and processed foods. All of that sugar and artificial ingredients then make you more irritable, more stressed, and feeling lousy. If not nipped in the bud, this could spiral out of control.
So, what can you do? Listen. Listen to your body. Listen to your heart. Listen to your loud whisper.
Listen to your body
I encourage you to regularly take stock in your body. Sit still, close your eyes, and go through each quadrant of your body – your head, your torso, your lower body, your extremities. Does something feel off – whether by touch or internally? Get to know your body and how you feel. It’s one thing to have an ache or pain from exercise or some other activity. It’s another to have a pain that you can’t attribute to something. Not every ache is cause for alarm. But when you know your body well enough, you can better identify the difference.
Listen to your suppressed emotions
Our bodies are not mere vessels, but rather wondrous messengers. They are sacred storehouses of our emotions adept at communicating messages that require our attention. When we hold onto suppressed emotions, they fester within, creating a toxic environment within our physical body. Think of it as a silent cry for help; these emotions manifest themselves as pain, tension, or other physical ailments, wreaking havoc on our well-being.
As we listen to our bodies, we need to acknowledge the discomfort, and determine if our emotions are the cause. Embracing the path of healing requires us to release these emotions, so we can let go of pain that no longer serves us. By unearthing and embracing our suppressed emotions, we pave the way for liberation, vitality, and radiant health. When we create space for healing and transformation, instead of numbing or ignoring these signals, we honor them as invitations for growth and self-discovery.
Listen to your loud whisper
Remember, before you become so stressed that it affects all aspects of your life, including your physical health, I encourage you to listen to your loud whisper. This will help set you up for a lifetime of happiness by understanding the vision you want for your life, your goals to get there, and the boundaries you need to set so you do stray from your vision.
Did you know that many women don’t realize they may be having a heart attack because they associate their symptoms with non-cardiac conditions, such as stress and anxiety. By taking away the stress and anxiety, women are better able to know when something is not right within them. In addition, when women really know their bodies, they can seek medical care earlier.
Take the time to listen closely to the whisper that has been echoing softly within your soul. You know the one – that gentle voice calling out from deep within, urging you to embrace your true self and live a life of purpose and fulfillment. It’s time to awaken to the power that lies within you to create a life of health and happiness.