Listening to Your Energy

I have recently been reminded of an important idea in Centerpoint’s “Cycles of Change”. The idea is that there is always energy for the next step and if taking that step feels scary, overwhelming, or creates anxiety then we are trying to take too big of a step. In other words, something is missing. I had a very stressful September. I didn’t listen to my body and I didn’t have energy for what I needed to do. I could tell that my body was tired and that I needed to rest. I was feeling overwhelmed. But, because there were things I thought needed to be done right away, I kept pushing myself and “missing” the downtime I needed to rest. Guess what? I got sick with the flu and still didn’t slow down because I thought I could bounce back up in a couple of days. Every day my energy was trying to get my attention and I kept fighting it. That is, until I ended up in the emergency clinic because I was dehydrated and had a kidney infection! Finally, I went to bed and rested and began healing. Once again I realized that I need to remind myself to listen to my body and not always my head. When my energy is low and I am feeling overwhelmed, there may be a good reason for that! Why do I feel I need to push myself to get it done this instant or to figure it out right now!? I would never counsel anyone else to do this. Why can’t I listen to my own advice? How do you become more mindful of your own body and your energy for the next step? -Vickie Chaffin