How many times have you found a bruise somewhere on your body and have no recollection of how it came to be there? I’d like to bet that you have, at least on one or two occasions, discovered a pain in your back, or neck or knee and can’t think of a single thing you might have done that would have caused it.
Our bodies talk to us all the time, but are we really listening? That pain in your knee is your body’s way of telling you something is not right. The bruise on your arm is your body letting you know that it sustained a trauma. Your aching feet have had enough of transporting you around all day and would like a little attention!
Very often the only time we actually listen to our body is when it becomes so ill we have to stay in bed, or when we incur a major injury that forces us to stop and take a break from our daily routine. Otherwise, we ignore those minor warning signals, pop a pain pill and carry on with our life.
If a loved one, or close friend is hurting and in trouble, do you ignore them? On the contrary, I imagine you take care of them, help them, comfort them, listen to what they have to say. Well, not listening to your body is like turning your back on a dear friend. Maintaining a healthy body is what allows you to enjoy your life and do all the things that fulfill you, the things that help you learn and grow.
Invest a little time, energy and money in your body’s health and wellbeing – make an appointment for a massage, allow your body to talk to you and let it know that you are listening!! When you get on that massage table, you will have the opportunity to renew that friendship and increase your chances of living a long, healthy and happy life. I wouldn’t be surprised if the first communication from your body is a resounding THANK YOU!
Why wait until you are really hurt or sick to take care of yourself. Be proactive, avoid those time-consuming and costly doctors visits. Consider it preventive medicine. You may see massage therapy as a big expense but the likelihood is that, if you invest in regular massage treatments, you will spend less in co-pays, lab tests, procedures, prescription medications and, over time, actually save money! Oh, and you’ll be happier too!
Are you listening now?