Body as Ally
I have been writing and thinking about 'Body as Miracle' for some time. What is now been emerging from my treatments in the last few weeks though is 'Body as Ally'. What if we remembered that our physical body is our ally? What if we lived as if we are in alliance with our physical bodies? Our amazing bodies that always act on behalf of balance, equilibrium, and life? Aren't they a perfect ally? Innately they are.
We often think we are the problem, our body is the problem, it is our fault. I should eat better, act better, make better choices. We churn in regret and shame. But our bodies are a miracle. And since our bodies are our physical homes for this life, we are also innately whole and amazing.
So why can't we feel that/know that/breath that/embody that?
Because we were born into a dominant reality that is based on power-over and systemically makes us feel like we are the odd ones out when we have high sensitivity, empathy, and care. Isn't that crazy? That we would be the ones to blame for making the best decisions we can in a reality that is based in separation?When we suffer from and react to the world because there is a lack of general respect, equality, kindness, care, and love and we get stressed, guess what? Our body suffers. When we are the 1 in 3 known women who are molested or raped, we make the obvious conclusion that our bodies are not safe. Simplistically, we are told what it takes to be beautiful (thigh gap), desirable (big boobs), attractive (seen but not heard), and more. We absorb it early. And our bodies respond.
What I see most in myself and on my treatment table is what I call 'cellular armoring.' It is a brilliant response to the reality of separation we were born into that breeds competition, power over, racism, sexism, nationalism and so much more. We are responding to the toxic soup of our dominant reality and the bad things that happen within it.
The process of healing, establishing in Self, requires that we de-armor our cells. While armoring was a smart response, what I realized is that when I wanted to live in my body in an embodied way, I had to be open to flow and vitality moving through my body. There is no movement with armoring. And I also realized I was trapping myself in with this massive defense system.
How did I de-armor?
I love cells. I see them with my mind's-eye. I know that due to my sensitivity, I cannot have permanent fully open cells in this toxic soup I try hard not to swim in. I would be overwhelmed. My friend Tantra had told me in a very early conversation, "Consciousness has a funny way, if you open the door it tends to come in." So, I imagined little doors on my cells and imagined them opening just a little bit. Getting some flow, sharing vitality. As I grew comfortable I opened them more and more. I built and continue to build an intelligence around how to regulate myself in different situations. I notice where I feel open and free-flowing, I notice where I can hardly stand not covering my eyes or ears due to sheer overstimulation.
I do this "little doors on your cells" with my patients on the table. It may sound silly, but once done, the flow and vitality in their bodies increase. And for me, flow and vitality are life. When the body feels enlivened, it is unarguably your ally.
If you want to be a real over-achiever and increase your relationship with your body as ally, practice transparency and vulnerability. Find your safe people, animals, a journal, a tree and talk transparently. Be honest and open. Be vunerable. Let your vulnerabilities be seen. They are likely your greatest gifts.
Our bodies are our gifts that keep on giving. They are always seeking health and life. They are our allies. Let's reclaim that.
How do you feel about body as ally?
Do you feel like your body is an ally? Why not or why?