Out of the Mind, into the Body: A Guide to Deep Connection
I’m obsessed with energy. I’m obsessed with the human experience and all that we don’t know. I’m intrigued by our speculations, assumptions, knowledge, and knowing. ☺️
I am in awe of how complex and yet simple the human experience appears to be.
I’ve always been someone who felt like they “just knew things.” And with time this knowing has seemed to expand and become that much more apparent in my experience.
As a young adult, I remember knowing things about people. Things that were not said. Things that under the circumstances felt weird for me to know. I would pray not to take advantage of what I knew.
At the time, I did not realize it, but most of the messages, or guidance came through my mind, as a vision and/or a thought that felt very “matter of fact.” I trusted these messages as they came. I never questioned them or even talked to anyone about it; it was a part of what I knew it meant to be human.
On the other hand, I thought I was connected to magic. *shrug*
These days, when I think of my experience with energy, my channeling, and the divine messages I receive, I realize how much the experience has changed.
Where before the messages came in as “clear knowings,” which many may know as claircognizance, these days the medium varies. I depend on my body a lot to make sense of the energy and the messages they contain.
As I thought through my journey, I realized that the journey out of my head into my body, that level of awareness and connection, expanded my abilities.
Moving out of my mind into my body helped expand my awareness and enhanced my ability to connect with the energies.
I believe it may be a mix of awareness, focus, and my trust in the connection that keeps this intuitive connection active within and around me.
So as I thought about my journey, I asked myself, “Well, how did you shift from mostly operating from your mind, into prioritizing the guidance and wisdom of your body?”
For me — it started with a conscious breath.
I started to take single deep breaths to help me calm the anxiety that would arise within me. The first time I did this, I just felt this overwhelming sense of peace and gentle calmness, it felt like magic.
I felt it was “easy”.” “simple.” and “loving.”
I had the space to witness myself and what was happening around me without feeling swept up in it all. The deep breath shifted the focus from the mind to the body, fostering a stronger mind-body connection.
With time, I was able to understand my mind’s influence on my body and the body’s influence on my mind.
There was awareness of the separation between my thoughts and “me.”
Who was this me? I later learned it’s what many refer to as pure consciousness; the witnesser of the experience.
Life got that much more delicious. In a way… I was freed.
Side Note: I used to say “I just want to be free.” I had no idea what I meant… I guess this was part of it. Coming home to myself. Free from the limitations of the mind and the idea of how I believed life had to be, my mind was a form of prison. (I am connecting this a bit more now– deep gratitude).
Aside from fostering a stronger connection between my mind and body, the practice of engaging in conscious deep breaths gifted me with other benefits like:
1. Stress Reduction: Apparently, deep breaths activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress hormones and promoting a sense of calm. We really are our own healers.
2. Boost of energy: Improved air supply… deep breathing increases oxygen intake, enhancing blood circulation and providing a boost of energy.
3. Muscle Relaxation: Deep breaths release tension in the muscles, especially in the neck, shoulders, and chest.
There are times when I go to crack my neck and can feel the tension. I won’t be able to crack my neck, but if I position my neck where the tension is, and take a deep breath it will loosen my muscles and I will be able to feel that tension released.
4. Enhanced Focus: Oxygen-rich blood to the brain enhances cognitive function and improves concentration.
5. Emotional Regulation: Deep breathing regulates emotions by calming the amygdala, the brain’s center for emotions.
For example, in overwhelming situations, deep breaths act as an anchor, bringing you back to a centered state.
6. Improved Digestion: Calming the nervous system positively influences the digestive system, reducing symptoms like indigestion.
7. Quick Relaxation Tool: Anytime, anywhere — deep breathing is a convenient and quick tool to induce relaxation.
8. Reset the nervous system: It eventually became part of the tool that helped me to get my nervous system to a place of neutral, instead of constantly in a state of anxiety, and in overactive mode.
9. Enhanced Mood: Deep breathing triggers the release of endorphins, promoting feelings of happiness and well-being.
10. Empowerment: Intentional deep breaths provide a sense of control and empowerment over our internal state.
Now, let’s explore some practical ways that you can get “out of the head, into the body.”
These are tools and techniques I’ve tried on my journey, some may resonate and some may not. This is not medical advice, just my two cents ☺️
1. Take a Breath:
Begin with a deep, intentional breath. Inhale slowly, feeling the air fill your lungs, and exhale, releasing any tension. This simple act shifts focus from the mind to the body, initiating connection.
You can hold your breath for a count of 3–5 before releasing, or release whenever it feels correct. I have done many ways, and each one has had benefits.
2. Body Scan:
Close your eyes (or keep them open — do you ☺️) and bring attention to each part of your body. Start from your toes, moving up to the crown of your head. Notice any sensations or tension. This mindfulness technique grounds you in the present moment.
Focus. If your attention shifts, just bring it back; no judgment 🥰
*1 and 2 really can be a practice that helps to build mentality immunity. You don’t need much else. Test and out, and experience how these practices open you to much more.
3. Movement Breaks:
Incorporate short movement breaks throughout your day. Stretch, wiggle your toes, or rotate your shoulders.
Movement connects the mind to the physical experience, promoting awareness.
4. Listen to Your Body:
Pay attention to physical cues. If you feel tension, ask yourself why. Be curious. Acknowledge any discomfort or ease. Your body communicates constantly; it’s time to listen.
Keep paying attention to your body, you may not know its language right away, but you’ll come to learn it.
5. Mindful Eating:
Turn eating into a mindful practice. Engage your senses — notice colors, textures, and flavors. Eat slowly, savoring each bite. This simple act enhances your connection with your body’s needs.
6. Grounding Techniques:
When the mind races, ground yourself. Place both feet firmly on the ground, feeling the support. Imagine roots growing from your feet into the Earth. This visualization helps center your energy.
Or, you can always take a deep breath. ☺️
7. Sensory Exploration:
Engage your senses intentionally. Feel different textures, notice scents, and listen to soothing sounds. This sensory exploration brings attention away from mental chatter.
8. Embrace Stillness:
Find moments of stillness in your day. Sit quietly, close your eyes, and be present. Allow thoughts to come and go without attachment. Stillness is where the mind-body connection flourishes.
REMEMBER
It’s a journey. It’s a practice. Start small, and gradually incorporate these practices into your daily routine. Not all of them will feel aligned in this season, but that’s okay.
Be kind to yourself. Embrace patience.
As you shift focus from the head/thoughts to the body/sensations, you’ll discover a deeper connection with yourself.
I pray that you enjoy the journey home ✨
Which of these practices are you going to integrate into your routine? What would you add to the list?
I love us
xx, CHARLiiE
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The First Newsletter goes out the first week of March 2024.