What Our Writer-Bodies Need
How's Your Relationship With Your Body?
Recently, I shared an incredible experience I had in a yoga session with Emily Schreter, Counselor, MSEd, LMHC, LPC, and Writer (The Consultation Room). In my favorite community for writers, A Writing Room, Emily provides two continuing series of workshops: Ask A Therapist, and Writers Wellness, in which she covers a host of topics specifically geared to the self-care and wellness of Writers. I appreciate her wisdom and compassion.
My second yoga session with Emily awakened me to a new way of thinking about the relationship I have with my body, how I take care of it, and how that determines much of my success or struggle with my writing life.
Emily asked us to journal in response to this question:
“How do I feel about my body at this time? What is my relationship with my body like?”
She caught me off-guard with that second question.
I wrote, “I feel that my body is a miracle in its ability to move, especially after twenty-one years with Multiple Sclerosis. I am so grateful. What a blessing to be walking, hiking a bit (even if unsteadily at times), driving, gardening, and having the gift of being able to walk with dogs.”
It also struck me that I keep poisoning my body - my one precious body - with an overload of sugar - this same body that fights SO hard each day to keep getting out of bed, moving, learning, writing, and living the best life possible.
Emily’s question opened my eyes. WIDE open. I had never thought of the way that I tend to my body as being a relationship.
That is a game-changer for me.
In my marriage relationship, I am 100% faithful. It comes to me easily and naturally, there is no gray area. We are happy together. We trust each other. We enjoy our life full of love and laughter together.
How faithful have I been in the relationship with my body, however? Ouch. Facing the truth of that answer is painful.
I would never be as unkind, disloyal, and downright toxic in any other relationship. So, why this one?
For me, it is beyond time to create a far better relationship with my physical body, one that honors all that she does for me; a relationship in which I give back at least as much I am given.
A new determination has set in, deep down, to faithfully nurture my body with all that she needs.
This new yoga and journaling practice is magnificent. I feel myself returning to a whole, healthy human being. It is incredible to notice and feel what is happening physically in my body - rather than trudging along, living mostly above-the-neck, stuffing down thoughts and emotions, to my great detriment.
As a Writer, I am grateful for these awakenings. My life, and my writing, are sure to benefit.
Have you considered how you take care of your body as a relationship? What does that look like and feel like? Or what would you like it to look like and feel like?
Feel free to share in the comments.
Thank you for reading, considering, commenting and sharing.
Wow- you hit the bullseye with this topic, Jacque! I think we have all had those Ooh Aah Point moments of the importance of self care. It is normal as a human to let one's guard down with those they feel safest with and that includes our bodies. Anyone who has ever woken up with a hangover knows or was frustrated with clothes that "must have been shrunk by the cleaners" what I'm talking about. Maybe we need a constant reminder, like our wedding rings, to keep us on track. Open to suggestions!
Yes, Jacque! I have had a similar awakening to my body. For me, it is a long, slow awakening. I fight it. It is so crazy to me that the body that carries my life, I mean my spiritual life, is not regarded with more love and care. It has taken me a long time to wake up to how our medical system doesn't look at our bodies as spiritual and a divine gift. This is not about blame. This is about doing my part and opening my eyes and my heart to the truth that I am more than organs, bones, muscles and decorative sking covering. I am so glad Emily has helped you. She is precious to our writing group. May this beautiful awakening continue to unfold with so much love and grace. That is my wish for you and for all of us. Note: sugar is a struggle for me to, but negative and hopeless thinking is my greatest challenge. You are not alone.