How should you "Listen to your Body"?

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"Listening to your body" may sound like a way of indulging your desires, but actually what it means is attempting to raise your own self-awareness. Often this can be a physically and emotionally difficult thing to do, and so it is by no means an indulgence! It involves observing your body (as well as your emotions and your mind) and responding according to what it needs - and not to what it merely wants.

For example, if you are depressed or feeling despondent, the prospect of lying in Savasana may be far more enticing than a vinyasa flow class. You may think you're "listening to your body" by taking it easy. However, on occasions like this, perhaps you would benefit from challenging yourself physically and mentally in order to bring your body and psychological state into a more vibrant and energised place.

On the other hand, you might be feeling anxious or angry, where your instincts are to move energetically and quickly. Here if you were to "listen to your body" in the correct way, you would endeavour to calm your nerves and ease away any tension in the muscles, through deep breathing, long exhales and slow, subtle movements.

"Listening to your body" also means understanding your body's limitations, in order to avoid any strain or injury. Conversely it means knowing how to subtly challenge yourself beyond your comfort zone in order to build upon your current strengths and abilities. As a result, through regular practice you can become more mentally focused and disciplined, emotionally balanced and at peace, and physically strong and flexible.

One thing to remember, is you already possess everything which you require in order to be the best version of yourself... You just need to listen!