Listen to the Gut...WTHeck?

Ok, ok! What in the world does “listen to the gut” actually mean??? Before we are taught to “be nice” “don’t be rude” “listen to your elders, your teacher, your parent ... everyone but yourself” there is a place in time where we really should be learning to listen to self! I watch people today with lots of thoughts, lots of words, lots of ideas and absolutely no true direction to their world. Listening to your gut involves knowing when it’s time to rest, knowing when to take a step in a direction that is beneficial, knowing when to step away from an unhealthy relationship, knowing when to befriend. So many real life choices. Listening to self is not about being selfish. It’s actually self care. When we find that inner connect, we can heal the gut, the brain, prevent disease. How does one do this, listen to the gut? First, baby steps; truly stop and rest. Set aside a day, where you don’t rush madly from one fire to another. Second, in that day of rest, learn to be quiet. Turn off everything. Start with 10 minutes. Sit. Silent. No music, internet, tv, books, quiet. If you have a child at home, this will be a challenge but also an opportunity to teach and learn together. Third; go into nature and sit. Listen to the sounds around you, close your eyes, hear the sounds, and don’t think. Fourth; feel, feel how your body truly is. Do you have pain? Where? Why? Back, maybe because stress is being carried in every muscle of the back. Gut, upper, acidity? Again stress. Gut, lower, constipation or diarrhea? Stress. Learn how to breathe. Really breathe. Deep breath in, letting the belly extend out as you take in air. Hold it for a count of ten, eyes closed, then release the air, slowly, until the belly goes down. Repeat 10 times. No rushing! Focus on your breathing. I like to take in that deep breath and then release it saying thanks or blessings. So, as the air goes out, I may say, “Thankful to God for health and well being.” Pick your mantra and let your world begin to settle so that you can actually hear yourself and tune out the world and anyone who has no right speaking into your world! ❤️