Our Bodies and the Environment
Our bodies are remarkable systems that constantly interact with the environment around us. From the moment we wake up, our senses are engaged: the warmth of sunlight, the sounds of birds, the smell of fresh coffee. These sensory experiences elicit physiological responses, such as increased heart rate, relaxation, or even the instinct to pull away from something unpleasant. This interaction is an ongoing conversation between our bodies and the world, shaping how we feel physically and emotionally in different settings.
One of the most significant ways our bodies communicate is through sensations. When we are around people who might not have our best interests at heart, we often experience physical signs—tightness in the chest, a knot in the stomach, or an overwhelming sense of fatigue. These sensations act as red flags, alerting us to the negative energy of our surroundings. Ignoring these signals can lead to emotional and physical exhaustion, highlighting the importance of tuning in to what our bodies are expressing.
Listening to our bodies is crucial, especially when discerning between positive and negative influences in our lives. For instance, the feeling of ease and comfort when surrounded by supportive individuals contrasts sharply with the tension that might arise in the company of toxic personalities. This somatic awareness can act as a guide, helping us navigate social interactions and choose relationships that nurture our well-being.
Energy, while an abstract concept, can be felt tangibly in social situations. Each person carries their own vibrational frequency, and when we encounter someone, we often instinctively sense their energy. This energetic interaction can evoke different feelings: warmth and uplift, or coldness and unease. By becoming attuned to these energies, we can start to identify who resonates positively with our own vibrations, leading to healthier connections.
When we honor the messages our bodies send, we cultivate a deeper relationship with ourselves and our intuition. This connection empowers us to make decisions aligned with our authentic selves. If a relationship consistently leaves us feeling drained, it is our body’s way of signaling that it might be time to reevaluate our engagement with that person. Attuning to these signals can transform our interactions, leading to deeper self-awareness.
The Language of Energy
Beyond individual interactions, the energy in our broader environment influences our physical and emotional states. Public places, such as crowded rooms, can amplify feelings of anxiety or stress, especially for those sensitive to energy. This awareness can guide us toward environments that enhance our well-being, illustrating the importance of choosing spaces that uplift rather than deplete us.
It’s interesting to note that emotional states can also influence the way we perceive our environments. For example, when feeling joyful, the world may appear vibrant and inviting, while sadness might cloud our perceptions, making the same places feel oppressive. This interplay between our internal states and external surroundings further underscores the importance of nurturing positive emotions to foster healthy perceptions of the world.
Meditation and mindfulness practices can help us become more attuned to these bodily sensations and energies. By learning to sit with ourselves and observe the feelings that arise, we can train ourselves to recognize signs of discomfort or peace. This mindful practice allows us to filter out negative influences and embrace relationships and environments that resonate positively with our energies.
Another essential aspect of attuning to our bodies and the energies around us is self-care. Engaging in activities that replenish our energy, such as exercise, nature walks, or creative pursuits, helps us feel more grounded and connected to our bodies. This proactive approach enhances our ability to listen to our inner selves, making it easier to identify when something or someone isn’t serving our well-being.
In conclusion, our bodies act as a complex feedback system, continuously informing us about our interactions within our environments. By cultivating a stronger connection with our sensations and energies, we can better navigate relationships, advocate for our needs, and seek experiences that uplift us. Emphasizing this self-awareness is essential for maintaining our mental and emotional health in an ever-changing world.
In love and light,
Dr. Rev. Jenine Marie Howry
References
- Goleman, D. (2006). Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships. Bantam.
- Siegel, D. J. (2010). The Mindful Therapist: A Clinician’s Guide to Mindsight and Neural Integration. W. W. Norton & Company.
- van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Penguin Books.
Additional Reading
- Brown, B. (2012). Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead. Gotham Books.
- Neff, K. (2011). Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself. William Morrow.
- Levine, P. A. (2010). In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness. North Atlantic Books.
Life Lessons by Jenine Marie 