Walking with the Body | Asking the body in the morning, "How are you today?"

Around the time the morning sun begins to gently illuminate the room through the curtains.

The birds begin to sing, and the flowers in the garden slowly wake up.

Even on such a peaceful morning, we start moving our heads as soon as we wake up.

What was my schedule for today?
Did I get any LINE messages?
I have to finish that work.

Most days begin with the head.

But recently, I have started one small habit.

With my eyes still closed, I ask my body in my heart.

"How are you today?"

It is not that I hear an answer.

However, strangely enough, if I listen carefully for a moment, my body tells me.

That my shoulders are a little heavy.

That my legs are still sleepy.

That my breathing is shallower than yesterday.

Conversely, there are mornings when I feel, "I can walk lightly today."

I have become able to notice such small changes.

I used to prioritize my schedule over my body.

Even if I was a little tired, I would tell myself, "It will be fine if I just try hard."

Even if my shoulders were stiff or my eyes were tired, I would push myself, saying, "Just a little more."

That accumulation had become the norm.

But one day, it suddenly occurred to me.

The one I live with every day is this body.

The mind can think about the future or look back on the past.

The heart also fluctuates.

But the body alone is always living in the "now".

That is why the body's voice first thing in the morning might be packed with the hints I need for the day.

The body knows me best today.

These words have been coming to mind again and again lately.

The body knows when I am pushing myself too hard.

It knows when I haven't had enough sleep.

It knows when I am feeling a little tense.

And it knows the days when I feel at ease, thinking, "Today is going to be okay."

Without saying a word, it has been walking with me all this time.

That is why, lately, I start my day after listening to my body's voice.

"Let's walk a little slower today."

"Let's eat something warm for lunch."

"Let's roll our shoulders a bit before starting work."

Just by making such small choices, my day becomes strangely peaceful.

Even on days when I used to think, "I could have done more," I can now think, "This was just right for today."

Listening to the body's voice is not the same as coddling it.

It is not about being lazy.

Taking care of yourself is different from spoiling yourself.

It is about becoming friends with your body so you can keep walking for a long time.

I believe that is a gift to your future self.

Just as the morning sun shows a slightly different expression every day.

Just as the flowers in the garden bloom according to their own seasons.

Our bodies are not the same every day either.

There are days when you are full of energy, and days when you want to rest a little.

That is why you do not have to try to work just as hard every single day.

If you walk while consulting with how your body feels that day, I think that will be the most comfortable pace for that day.

Especially on busy mornings, we tend to put ourselves last.

That is exactly why even just thirty seconds is enough.

Close your eyes and try asking your body.

"How are you today?"

There is no right answer to that question.

"I'm a little tired."

"I feel light today."

"I wanted to sleep a little longer."

Any answer is fine.

What is important is not to change the answer, but to acknowledge it.

Our bodies are always working for us.

Walking, breathing, and keeping our hearts beating.

Without a single complaint, it has lived alongside us until today.

That is why, sometimes, I want to listen to what my body has to say.

I feel that just by doing that, the scenery of the day changes to something a little kinder.

Tomorrow morning.

Before checking your schedule.

Before picking up your smartphone.

Why not ask your own body, just for a moment?

"How are you today?"

That small question might be the first step toward starting your day in a way that is true to yourself.

Thank you for reading until the end today.
I would be happy to see you again during our "Walking with the Body" time.

Yufu