Let’s Tune In by Reben Drummer
I want to dive into the art of tuning in and communicating with our minds and bodies. You know that internal dialogue that helps us figure out what we’re feeling and what our bodies need. It’s like having a conversation with yourself, but instead of using words, you’re using sensations, emotions, and instincts.
First off, feelings, we must talk about them. Sometimes, it can feel like our emotions are a tangled mess. But believe it or not, there are ways to untangle that mess and make sense of what we’re feeling. One of the best ways I’ve found to do this is by simply taking a moment to check in with myself.
I personally drop everything to just talk to myself. I frequently have moments where I start to feel everything at once and if I don’t just turn everything off, take the deepest of breaths and just talk into existence, my head just might already be on the floor. When I breathe, I pay attention to how my body feels and what emotions are bubbling up to the surface. It never fails to surprise me what I discover when I finally give myself the time and space to listen. You’ll realize that anxiety you’ve been feeling about an upcoming deadline, whether that be work or school, or that lingering sadness we’ve all tried to cover and push down at some point in time.
But feelings aren’t the only things we need to tune into. Our bodies have a language of their own, they’re constantly sending us signals about what they need to function at their best. Whether it's hunger cues telling us it’s time for a snack or the dull ache in our lower back reminding us to take a break from sitting, It’s important to listen to these cues and respond accordingly. For me, this means being mindful of how my body feels and the energy that’s being relinquished or taken in.
Once I realize I’ve been sitting for too long, I’ll get up and shake out my limbs, maybe take a walk depending on where I am. I have a weird relationship with food, there are so many times where I realize at the end of the day, I’ve maybe only eaten some banana bread and had some water. So, in terms of hunger cures, I lack them but I’m aware of that, so I occasionally tell myself “Yea, even though I technically don’t feel hungry, I need to eat something”. That’s another thing about the mind and body, so much is happening without you having a sensation until you acknowledge it.
But of course, tuning in to your mind and body isn’t always easy. In a world that’s constantly buzzing with noise and distractions, it can be challenging to quiet the chaos and listen to the whispers of our inner selves. But like any skill, it takes practice and patience to master. So, if you’re feeling out of touch with yourself, don’t be too hard on yourself, we all take life one step at a time, and remember that every moment spent tuning in is a step closer to understanding and honoring your true needs and desires. We deserve that kind of self-care.
Take a deep breath, trust yourself, and let the conversation begin.
Additional tools for when you may be in crisis:
U.S. Crisis Text Line: 741-741
Ohio Mobile Response and Stabilization Services: 1-888-418-MRSS (6777)