Getting Back Into Your Body
One of the things that I have always struggled with is practicing embodiment. Even when I was younger, there was a disconnect with my body. This showed up as feeling uncomfortable in my body due to chronic illness, developing eating disorders, body dysmorphia, and trying to constantly alter my appearance to “feel better.” Well, it goes without saying that all of those attempts to change my outward appearance were never really the solution, and wanting to look different was never really the problem.
As I have developed my spiritual awareness, I have connected deeply with what it means to be a soul having a human experience. In my recovery and healing, this has helped me heal my relationship with my body - not seeing her as broken but rather as a vessel for my beautiful, unique soul. My body has always been trying her best even when my mind has thought otherwise.
One of my favorite analogies that really solidified this realization for me was this - we are eternal souls having a temporary human experience. Imagine each day as if we are experiencing everything for the first time. Imagine you wake up as a new soul and realize you’re in a REAL human body. How COOL would that be? You’re now three-dimensional, can move in so many ways, can feel the grass and the breeze, can see the vibrant colors around you, and smell the fresh air! Everything is a new experience, so exciting, and SUCH a gift! It’s like those movies when characters swap bodies and all of a sudden have a new perspective of everything.
Whenever I’m having days that I’m feeling super detached from my body, I come back to this thought “What if I were experiencing this moment / sensation for the first time? How would I be feeling?”
A change in perception is just one way that we can connect with our bodies. This practice of feeling grounded in our bodies is called embodiment - connecting and checking in with our inner and outer worlds. So, how else can we practice this? Here are a few more ways:
1. daily movement
Practicing daily movement that we enjoy is one of the best ways to connect with our bodies. This looks different for everyone, it’s all about finding what works best for YOU. Some days this might look like going for a walk in the park or practicing yoga, other days it may look like going to the gym and lifting weights. My favorite part of movement is really being able to have this designated time to connect the mind and body. It’s so fun to get lost in the movement and really feel the fluidity of the actions you're doing!
2. conscious body scan
This is just what it sounds like, taking time throughout the day to scan your body for how it feels in that exact moment. Set a reminder / alarm on your phone every couple of hours, or do this right around meal times. Pause and take deep breaths, close your eyes and connect with your body to focus on everything you may be feeling - sensations, temperature, sounds around, energy, etc.). Take inventory of all of your senses and just accept things for how they are, don’t try to change anything just allow it to happen. If you experience any discomfort, just breathe and set the intention that you’re working through it.
3. breathwork
I’m sure by now you’ve heard of different breathwork patterns that can help manage anxiety, stress, and promote relaxation. Well, all of these techniques are amazing for reconnecting with your body! By consciously focusing on the breath, we are more aware of the control we have over any feelings of our mind that be overwhelming and taking away from the present moment.
Some of my favorite patterns are the 4-7-8 breath, box breath, and 4-6 breath. I typically set a timer for three minutes and follow along with the breath pattern I chose. Sometimes I’ll close my eyes and imagine being rooted into the earth, receiving energy on the inhale and releasing stagnant energy on the exhale.
4. conscious consumption
We’re so used to multi-tasking or tuning other things out, almost to a fault. Have you ever sat down for a meal with the tv on and by the time you’re done eating you can hardly remember what the meal even tasted like? That’s because you were so caught up in your surroundings that you weren’t able to fully connect with your body in the present moment.
This might not come as a shock to you, but practicing conscious consumption is one of the best practices we can do - not just for our bodies, but for our mind, and soul as well! By being present, we are able to feel every sensation our body is currently experiencing. Especially when eating, if we are only concentrating on the food in front of us, we chew slower (which improves digestion), notice flavors and textures, and know when we’re truly satisfied! It might feel weird at first because you’re not used to it, but try at least three meals a week to start and see how you feel afterward!
5. cleanse
I’m not talking fasting or a juice cleanse, but actual HYGIENE. Your cleansing and self-pampering routine can reconnect you with your body in so many ways. Not only are you caring for your vessel but you also give yourself an opportunity to be sensual and enjoy every act of self-care. Take an extra long shower, have a bubble bath, dry brush, apply lotion, set intentions, or say affirmations when you’re doing your skincare routine, etc. Put purpose behind everything you do for your body and do it out of LOVE. I promise that once you start adding intention behind these everyday actions, you’ll start to feel more connected to your beautiful self.
6. make time for stillness
This kind of goes in hand with number two, but make sure to schedule time with yourself. I find that scheduling this into my day, making it routine, is VITAL for my overall wellbeing. I make these commitments to myself as if they were with another person because I know that when I am feeling connected, I’m going to show up as my best self.
Whether this is scheduling time first thing in the morning or halfway through the day, taking even five minutes for stillness can completely shift your energy. Meditation has so many benefits that impact the mind, body, and soul - in this case, it’s giving us time to enjoy the quiet, sit with our current reality, and feel whatever may be coming up.
We often can get so caught up in thinking of the past and future, but when we take the moment to sit still and observe the present we allow for ourselves to feel grounded and connecting to not only our bodies but also our surroundings.
7. remember how amazing your body is
One of the mindset shifts that has helped heal my relationship with my body is referring to her as “her” (or whatever pronoun you identify yourself as)! Rather than referring to my body as “it”, I feel as though I have made a deeper connection because my brain automatically attaches those commonly used pronouns with meaningful entities. Another analogy that has helped is by looking at my body as a best friend - she has been with me through everything, good and bad, no matter how I have behaved in the past she has tried her best to support me and I only want what’s best for her. Just think, you wouldn't say negative things about your best friend’s appearance or how they function, so why say those things to yourself / your body?
Keep a running checklist of all the amazing things your body does for you on a daily basis, from the moment you wake up. Your body…
beats your heart
breaths life into your lungs
fights against infections
converts energy
turns food into energy so efficiently
keeps you hydrated
cleanses while you sleep
gives you a physical vessel to ENJOY life
and SO MUCH MORE
These are just some things your physical body does automatically, don’t forget about your energetic body too!
It’s so important to take care of our physical bodies as much as our mental and emotional. We should try to connect with our body each day, to remember that we are souls that are here to ENJOY this human experience. It’s really easy to get caught up in the mind and soul aspect, but our bodies are just as important to celebrate. This is one thing that I constantly have to work at but know that it makes me feel amazing when I reconnect!