#43: Understanding Your Body: The Power of Tuning In and Listening to Yourself
Hello and welcome to the Find Yourself, Change Your Life Podcast! I’m Mary Clavieres, and I’m so grateful you’re here. My passion, one that runs deep, is helping you rediscover who you truly are and step confidently into the role of leader in your own life, in whatever way feels right for you. Today’s blog post is dedicated to a topic that not only means a lot to me but is also transformative for so many: understanding your body.
Why Understanding Your Body Matters
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I’m serious about the mind-body connection. For me, understanding your body isn’t just a wellness buzzword. It’s a fundamental part of reconnecting with yourself, your purpose, and what truly lights you up inside. When we get swept up in the hustle of daily life, it’s far too easy to ignore the signals our bodies are sending us. And yet, those signals are exactly what we need to tune into to feel more grounded and aligned.
Whether you’re already dealing with some kind of health challenge or just moving through life on autopilot, making space to check in with your body is an essential practice. I talk about this extensively in my new book, Mind Body Connection Unlocked.
Bringing Awareness to the Mind-Body Connection
Before we fully jump into understanding your body, let’s touch on the foundational premise I use when working with clients. It starts with awareness of the self, then understanding what the mind is telling us, and finally moving out of the mind and connecting back into the body.
Our bodies are incredibly intelligent. They’re constantly speaking to us, quietly at first, and then sometimes much louder if we ignore them for too long. My hope, in sharing this work, is that you’ll feel inspired to listen, to pay attention on a deeper level.
Are You Really Listening?
How often do you pause during your busy day to check in with your body and ask, “How am I feeling right now?” Sure, some people have this check-in as a regular practice, especially if health issues force them to. But most of us forget. It’s as if we let our thinking mind override the wisdom of our body, especially when it comes to making decisions.
Think about times when you agreed to something, only to feel your body tighten or your gut twist. Maybe you even said afterward, “I knew I shouldn’t have done that.” That’s your body speaking up, trying to guide you. The practice I invite you to try is checking in with your body before making decisions and noticing how it feels.
Human Design—A Tool for Understanding Your Body’s Decision-Making
Human Design is one tool I love for supporting people in understanding their body’s signals, especially around decision-making. The body often knows the truth long before the mind rationalizes it away. I’ve spoken about this on the podcast (check out my episodes on Decision Making with Human Design and Human Design Explained), and it’s been transformational, not just for me, but for my family as well.
For example, one of my daughters has a decision-making style rooted in her body. Meaning, her reactions come before words. When she was little, I’d encourage her to “use her words,” not realizing her real answer was showing up through her posture and behavior. Once I learned her Human Design, I started asking yes/no questions and watching for her body’s response. This simple shift helped me support her in a much deeper, more natural way.
Simple Practices for Tuning In and Understanding Your Body
Understanding your body doesn’t have to be complicated. In Mind Body Connection Unlocked, I share meditations and body scan practices. These can take as little as five minutes and make a huge difference. You can download audio versions if you like (scan the QR code in the book). These practices prompt you to close your eyes, get quiet, and scan for physical sensations, tension, or feelings that need attention.
If yoga, meditation, or other mindfulness practices are already part of your life, that’s amazing! But even if you’re starting from scratch, these practices can help you reconnect.
Building a Relationship with Your Body—Reflection Questions
Understanding your body means building a relationship with it over time. Some reflection questions you might consider:
Am I listening to my body?
Am I taking time to appreciate it?
How often do I acknowledge what my body does for me? (Walking, hugging a loved one, carrying groceries...)
Am I speaking kindly to my body, even out loud sometimes?
It may feel strange at first, but talking to your body and expressing gratitude can be a powerful way of strengthening your mind-body connection.
Your Invitation & Final Thoughts on Understanding Your Body
The more we tune into our bodies, the more we live in alignment with our true selves. Understanding your body opens up new directions, fresh opportunities, and a sense of clarity about what’s really good for you. It changes how you move through the world, helping you discover more meaning, purpose, and joy.
I am incredibly passionate about this and about helping you shine a light on your body’s wisdom and invite in deeper understanding. Don't be shy about talking to your body, listening, and appreciating it for all it does.
If you have questions, feedback, or topics you’d like me to cover on the podcast, please get in touch. You can find me on LinkedIn and Instagram @mary.clavieres, or check out my website for resources, book info, and human design readings.
Thank you so much for being part of this community. Remember, understanding your body is an ongoing practice. Every step you take brings you closer to greater self-awareness, alignment, and fulfillment. I’m honored to walk this journey with you.
If you’d like to connect further about your unique human design blueprint, you’re invited to learn more and book a reading here.
Questions? Please feel free to reach out on LinkedIn or Instagram. I'm also on Voxer at @MaryClavieres.
Thank you so much for being here, for listening, and for taking these steps on your own journey. Until next week!
Want to learn more about your unique Human Design blueprint?
Get your free chart here.
Book a Human Design reading with Mary here.
Mind-Body Connection Unlocked Book:
My new book, Mind Body Connection Unlocked, is now officially out in the world! Order your copy and dive into how mind and body alignment can support lasting change in your life.
Get Your Copy of Mind Body-Connection Unlocked
Connect with Mary here:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-clavieres-19917a7/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mary.clavieres
Voxer: @ maryclavieres
Previous Episodes You May Enjoy:
Human Design Explained: Understanding Your Unique Energy Blueprint
The Future Belongs to Authentic Self Expression
Behind the Scenes of Mind Body Connection Unlocked Plus a Reflection Activity
Align Your Mind and Body With This Simple Visioning Exercise
Why Letting Go Is Hard and How to Make It Easier
Egypt and Overcoming My Fear of Heights: A Journey in Personal Transformation