Turning Inwards
Why Have We Stopped Listening?
Over the past couple of years in my life—especially since my health journey with breast cancer—I’ve noticed that we have stopped listening.
We have stopped listening to others.
Stopped listening to (or tuning in to) our bodies.
We have lost awareness .
Our lives are full of far too many distractions.
People and businesses are fighting for our attention. Every time we turn on a device we are bombarded with ads and articles trying to sell us a product or even just a point of view.
Many times during my cancer journey I was told things that I didn’t ask for.
I don’t believe for a second that harm was meant. The intention was absolutely to help but often unfortunately the opposite was true. It must have been uncomfortable for others to see me so unwell and the instinct is often to “fix” rather than simply be present.
Being truly listened to was missing from some of those moments.
What if we just took a breath?
Quietness.
A pause…
They are not to be feared.
They create space to process so we can make adjustments, changes in how to think and feel.
Sometimes a small shift is required.
Other times massive shifts , both physically and emotionally to ground us , help us reconnect with ourselves and others.
When was the last time you truly tuned in to your own body?
Pilates was and is a large part of my recovery.
When you do pilates in the way that was intended it allows you build awareness.
It allows you to notice where you are holding tension , pain, fatigue , even stagnant emotions.
When awareness is there, we can make a shift to more efficient movement patterns.
We move slowly at first, increasing the mind muscle connection and using our breath to support our nervous system.
It is a conversation between mind and body.
Over time regular Pilates session can help increase our proprioception, making it easier to recognise and honour our bodies needs not just during exercise but in all aspects of our daily lives.
