From our first breaths, instincts reign in our bodies. To feed when hungry and stop when full. To rest when tired and explore life when awake. To smile when happy and cry when upset. From the first days, our bodies typically function quite well through so many intricate processes and details. The heart knows how to pump blood. The lungs know how to breathe. The stomach and intestines know how to pull nutrients for fuel.

Our bodies are fabulous creations and they know their stuff. Our bodies contain more intelligence than the smartest of computers. Our bodies adapt very well to whatever we expose them. Yet, we show such uncertainty in trusting them. We lose sight of cues our bodies give us – hunger, fatigue, stress, and more. We think we don’t need to listen to them and they will do our will, no matter how damaging.

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Sure, mind over matter acts as a powerful tool. However, we shouldn’t always ignore our bodies’ wishes for personal fulfillment. We need to treat them with respect and the first step to doing so is to trust them. Really listen to what your body tells you. Do you feel hunger? Eat! Do you feel tired? Rest! Do you feel nervous? Figure out why and find a way to calm yourself.

Our bodies provide us with so much information every single day. If we tap into that, we can live the most fulfilling lives. When you care for your body you have the energy in you to pursue life and happiness. Reflect on the many ways your body displays its intellect. Is there an area where you face difficulty trusting your body? Take time today to focus on this area and pay close attention to your body. Trust and listen.

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In what area do you know you need to trust your body more? How do you plan to do so today? For me, I have to determine every single day that I will trust my body’s instincts with food and honor it by listening. After years of binging, it still takes focus. It’s easier but the practice of listening continues. Today I hope to trust my body while at a social event tonight and listen to my body on what it really wants to eat and the appropriate amounts. Social situations are still the scenario where I tend to eat more than I need. I don’t think its wrong or bad to overindulge on occasion and I never feel guilty…but I always prefer to be mindful of my body.

Quotes to Reflect On
There is deep wisdom within our very flesh, if we can only come to our senses and feel it.  ~Elizabeth A. Behnke

The body never lies.  ~Martha Graham

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*For more 30 Days Inspiration visit these bloggers who shared the message and let me know if you do/did.

• Miranda’s Jeans
• Simply Maren
• Jammin in the Kitchen
• High Heels and Diaper Bags
• New Adventure into Eating and Life
• Healthy Living Adventures

September not only boasts the 30 Days of Self-Love here on Faith, Fitness, Fun, but also the celebration of yoga. It’s Yoga Month! You can even get FREE classes so check out www.yogamonth.org!

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I took part in some yoga today, just as I do every Friday. I even went out of my way today. Normally I go to the basic yoga class at my gym, but M wouldn’t allow it today. I got through 20 minutes of the class before I felt a tap tap tap on my shoulder. Someone had a bit of a ‘tude problem today and didn’t want to hang out in the childcare. I had to pack up my mat and head home with her. I wouldn’t allow that to stop me from downward dogging it! Thank goodness for resources like yogadownload.com. I tacked on another 20 minutes of free yoga with Baptiste Power Flow Yoga #3.

May not have been ideal, but it worked. It felt so nice to stretch out my legs and lower back. My lower back needs all the help it can get with the growing bump.

I admit that I found myself scrounging around for yoga options interesting. 6 months ago I would have scoffed at even taking the time to try yoga. I finally gave in and can no longer debate its benefits. It has only affirmed many of the things I believe and opened my horizons to new views of fitness.

You don’t have to sweat buckets to have a good workout. After my first class, I hurt! Holding moves and supporting your body weight definitely provide a challenge. I remember having to hold a deep chair pose for an interminable amount of time my first class. Talk about leg strength.

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It really does stretch you out and improve other areas of fitness. My hamstrings always get tight. It annoys me greatly, yet nothing ever seemed to work. Until yoga. I still have a ways to go in flexibility, but I can notice a marked improvement since I took that first class. I also don’t have to deal with soreness all the time and have it affect my other workouts.

It revitalizes energy and positivity. I can’t imagine leaving yoga class feeling worse than when I came. I always end with a big smile on my face and a pure feeling of empowerment. Perhaps it lies in the extra time to reflect peacefully or really feeling the strength in my body. I don’t know for certain what yoga does, but it’s something magical that’s for certain.

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Yoga draws me out of my comfort zone, which strengthens me in ways beyond physical fitness. I am not that great at it. I could improve by leaps and bounds, but it doesn’t matter. I don’t have to worry about any of that. My other workouts, when not pregnant, tend to be about pushing myself to new limits and seeing what I can achieve. Yoga, on the other hand, challenges me but at the same time allows me to just be. I know I can use that in my life, so I don’t foresee yoga going anywhere anytime soon.

• Do you like yoga? If you haven’t tried it is there something holding you back?
• What’s something that pushes you out of your comfort zone but helps you in some way?
• I will still be posting the 30 Days messages on Saturday and Sunday so please keep an eye out and participate! They might not post until around 12 noon EST though as I don’t wake up to write on weekend mornings.

Have a great weekend all! For my US counterparts, enjoy the 3 days off and the start of college football! 😀