Our bodies are extremely clear about what we need and what is healthy for us.

Our minds mess us up.

When we follow what our body is indicating, health is restored. We eat only what we need, rest when we're tired, and seek love and socializing healthily.

So why is it so difficult to then just follow the body's direction?

It's because there are so many, many beliefs that are rattling around the subconscious (and in society!) that we may or may not even be aware of!

The practice of awareness and journaling can be a powerful tool to bring those to the surface, but what's even better is paying attention to our emotions when they arise.

Not dismissing them or poo-pooing them. Instead, honoring your emotions and allowing them to be there with no judgment.

This is extremely hard because first, you have to wade through and dismantle years of negative self-talk.

"You shouldn't be feeling this way."

"Suck it up."

"Don't be such a baby."

"What's wrong with you."

"Get over it and move on."

"Why do you have to be so sensitive?"

If you are speaking to yourself this way every time you feel an emotion, you won't get very far. (On a side note, if you notice this is the way you are handling your children's feelings, please stop. They also have every right to feel the way they feel.)

After some time of allowing your emotions to the surface, then and only then can you begin to find the thoughts that are causing the feelings.

When you begin to rewire these thoughts to self-compassion and love now, you can begin to make some space to listen to your body.

Listen to what your body, soul, and spirit need.

I have found that insomnia is my clear indication I haven't been listening to my body. Insomnia is a clear indication I've violated my equilibrium. What I find when I listen to my thoughts in the middle of the night or when I can't drift off to sleep is the following list.

• I've eaten food that my body doesn't agree with.

• My boundaries have been violated by myself or someone else.

• I haven't honored or held space for my fears.

• I've ignored my intuition and internal guidance and knowing. I've been given clear directions that I've ignored.

• I've come in contact with a toxin.

• New happenings have triggered the amygdala. These can be either good or bad, but I'm experiencing the stress response.

• I've overextended myself. (See #2, I've violated my boundaries.)

• I haven't prioritized enough family time.

• I'm making a big life decision, and I'm stuck in my head and not listening to my heart.

• I'm not trusting God.

• Old pathways of fear of what other people think are being fired again. (BTW, this is a cellular fear that never goes away.)

• I haven't scheduled or taken care of a big list of to-dos.

Isn't my body smart and wise? I know you have a similar flare-up somehow some way in your body. Every person I know has their flavor.

Some have constipation, heartburn, psoriasis, anxiety, hip pain, yeast infections, knee pain, and the list goes on and on.

Instead of hating the annoying symptom, start listening and paying attention to what it is telling you!