Initiative: Learning to Listen to Heal
In modern life, we are used to seeing some negative signals as something normal and natural. Although our brain constantly processes and sends information for us to have a better quality of life, we tend to ignore or minimize it. This disconnection occurs because our culture prioritizes material things, and to obtain material goods, things must be done quickly, with ever-increasing productivity and endurance. From one point of view, this is okay, but we must not forget that a healthy body guarantees overall health and the subsequent enjoyment of all these sacrifices.
Experience is the key to being more receptive in this regard. The better we know ourselves, the better we can anticipate problems and prevent damage. Listening to our body is not only about avoiding physical diseases but also emotional and mental ones.
I think society in general could play a more important role in this because, from a young age, we absorb information from everywhere, whether positive or negative. Many cultures, with limiting beliefs, prefer boys because strength and endurance are valued more, leading to ignoring pain or emotions, claiming they are a weakness for the individual. But there are other, more advanced cultures, where the community, family, and health professionals encourage conscious self-care towards oneself.
I also believe this positive attitude toward individual care does not depend solely on adult education toward young adults; young people, with our new perspectives, can contribute a fresher vision of how to care for our body and mind, and some ideas might even be very fun. It all depends on the willingness to listen, regardless of age, since both experience and innovation make a great team in developing self-care.
Learning to listen to oneself is complex. Many times, we refuse to accept that something inside is wrong. This is a common reaction almost everyone has experienced because fear can paralyze us. However, over time we learn to become aware of physical and emotional reality: knowing our limits, as the need to change and heal arises. The most important thing in this case is willpower, because if we do not face reality as it is and do not take responsibility, the healing process will not begin.
Listening to our body means surviving—I can't find a better word. We are protecting ourselves from harm that could affect our integral health and well-being. It requires a lot of practice, patience, and commitment. In the end, we are dealing with ourselves, a truly difficult task.
