Why the body matters

When you speak kindly to yourself while ignoring your body, the words can feel thin or disconnected.
When you include your breath, posture, and sensations, the words land more deeply.

Your body has been carrying so much. Today is a day to acknowledge that.

Today’s healing phrase

Choose one phrase such as:

“Body, I’m listening.”

or

“Thank you, body, for carrying me through this.”

Day 4 practice (7–10 minutes)

1. Get comfortable.
   Sit or lie down in a position your body can maintain without strain.
2. Scan from feet to head.
   Slowly move your attention from your feet, legs, belly, chest, shoulders, arms, neck, and face.
3. Notice areas of tension or numbness.
   You don’t need to change anything. Just notice.
4. Speak to the body.
   Place a hand where you feel most neutral or safe and say:
   “Body, I’m listening.”
   or “Thank you for carrying this.”
5. Stay with one area.
   Choose one place in your body and gently offer your phrase there for a few minutes.

Gentle reflection

• What surprised me about my body today?
• Did my body respond to being thanked or acknowledged?
• What part of my body seems to need more gentleness?

Related support

• Explore Self-talk with the body.
• Read How words affect the nervous system.
• Listen to 10-minute anxiety softening.

When you feel ready, continue to Day 5: Walking with the difficult parts.

Love is Everything — G. Ross Clark