We sometimes forget that we are wild animals. Just like other wild animals, we have a complex system of tissues, cells, organs and systems that control our body functions. And just like other wild animals, we have alarm systems (like pain or feelings of uneasiness) to let us know of a problem or potential problem. But unlike other wild animals, we have a complex brain cortex that allows us to disregard these alarms. We can literally choose to “override” and/or ignore these important alarms. Here are a few examples:
I’ve watched my dog, when sick, find a quiet place of solitude and rest. This allowed her body the time and energy to heal. Energy was not wasted.
vs.
The wild human, when sick, can literally choose to ignore their body’s request for rest and nurturing. They may instead spend their day by loading their body up with caffeine and sugar, drain themselves with work, and then spend any extra energy by driving the kids to soccer and making the gardening club meeting that night.
Another example: I’ve watched two ducks get in a squabble at a pond. They quacked and splashed and then swam away. I noticed that when they swam away, that they both responded by flapping their wings, as a way of releasing the extra aggression.
vs.
A wild human driving their car down rt 128 may become upset when they are cut-off in traffic. Their palms get sweaty. But instead of pulling over and jumping up and down to get rid of the adrenaline, they choose to internalize it.
We can take cues from these other species. We can’t provide for ourselves if we don’t know what our needs are. Getting in tune with our bodies (pain and emotional vibrations) is the first step in learning to nurture ourselves. Tired? Then sleep. Sick? Then rest. Angry? Close the car windows and scream the anger out of you! Subluxated? Get adjusted.
And as always, go slow and give yourself a break.
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