A few days ago,
I found myself in the emergency room after days of telling myself that I was probably overreacting.
I knew I was in pain,
But I kept questioning it.
Maybe it wasn't that bad.
They'd probably just tell me nothing was wrong.
So when the doctor came into my room and gently told me that he was worried,
That I needed to stay overnight.
That this wasn't something to ignore.
I expected to feel fear.
Instead,
One of the strongest emotions I felt was relief.
Relief that someone believed what my body had been trying to tell me.
Later,
When they explained that I needed surgery and that I would have to take about a week away from work,
Another wave of relief washed over me.
Not because I wanted surgery,
But because for the first time in a long time,
I felt like I had permission to stop.
It made me realize something that I think many of us share.
Sometimes we wait until someone else tells us that our pain is real enough.
We wait for a diagnosis,
A doctor's note,
A breaking point,
A crisis.
But what if we didn't have to wait that long?
What if your experience could be enough?
What if our body didn't have to scream before we listened?
Today I'd like to invite you into a practice of offering yourself the validation,
Compassion,
And permission.
That we're so often waiting to receive from someone else.
So let's begin.
Allow yourself to settle into whatever comfortable position feels right for you.
If it feels safe to do so.
Gently close your eyes.
Take one slow,
Deep breath in.
And slowly let it go.
Again,
Breathing in… and breathing out.
Notice the places where your body is supported.
Notice that for these next few moments,
There is nowhere else you need to be.
Nothing you need to accomplish.
Nothing you need to prove.
Just this moment.
Just you.
Take another gentle breath.
And as your attention settles inward.
Simply begin to notice your body.
Not to analyze it.
Not to fix it.
Just to listen.
Perhaps there are places that feel comfortable.
Perhaps there are places that feel tired.
Tight.
Or asking for your attention.
Whatever you notice is welcome.
Your body has been communicating with you every day.
Not because it wants to make your life difficult.
But because it's been trying to take care of you.
See if you can silently ask your body.
What have you been trying to tell me?
And simply listen.
There's no right answer.
Maybe words arise or images.
Maybe only a feeling.
Or perhaps only silence.
Even silence is an answer.
Stay curious.
Stay kind.
Now notice your emotions.
Perhaps there's stress,
Sadness,
Frustration.
Fear,
Hope.
Whatever is here.
Imagine greeting each feeling.
As you would someone you love arriving at your front door.
Not because you want them to stay forever.
But because they deserve to be acknowledged.
You might softly say,
I see you.
Thank you for letting me know.
Notice what changes when your emotions no longer have to fight so hard to get your attention.
See if you can notice whether a particular part of you wants your attention today.
There may be a part that's exhausted.
Or worried.
The part that's been trying very hard to hold everything together.
Or maybe there's even a part that's quietly longing for permission to rest.
Without trying to change it,
Simply ask.
What do you need me to know?
And listen.
Perhaps another question follows naturally.
What do you need from me today?
Not next month.
Not when everything is finished.
Not after you've earned it.
See what arises.
Maybe your body is asking for more sleep.
More nourishment,
More movement,
Less pressure,
More play,
A boundary or a conversation,
Maybe just five quiet minutes.
Perhaps all it needs is for you to acknowledge that this is hard.
Whatever the answer,
Let it be enough.
Notice if there's a part of you waiting for someone else to tell you that it's okay.
Okay to rest.
Okay to slow down.
Okay to say no or ask for help.
That it's okay to not have everything figured out.
If you find that part.
Imagine gently sitting beside it.
And from your calm,
Compassionate self,
Quietly offer these words.
I believe you.
I trust your experience.
You don't have to prove your pain.
You don't have to wait until you're falling apart before you deserve care.
Simply notice what those words feel like inside.
As we begin to close.
Place a hand over your heart or anywhere on your body that would appreciate a gentle touch.
Take one more slow breath.
And remember this.
Your body doesn't need to earn your attention.
Your emotions don't need to become overwhelming before they're worthy of care.
Your inner world deserves your listening long before it reaches a crisis.
May we all begin offering ourselves the validation that we've waited for from others.
May we trust the wisdom within us.
And maybe remember that slowing down is not something we have to earn.
Is something that we're all always worthy of.
Whenever you're ready.
Gently deepen your breath.
Wiggle your fingers and toes.
Feel the weight of your body in its seat and slowly open your eyes if they were closed.
Carry this spirit of listening with you today.
Your body has been speaking.
Your heart has been speaking.
And our parts are always speaking.
May you continue to meet them with curiosity,
Compassion.
And the quiet reassurance.
I'm listening.
Thank you so much for spending this time with me today.
I hope you take very good care of yourself.
