Learning to Listen: The Body’s Subtle Truths

Before we can truly listen to others, we must learn to listen to ourselves. Not just our thoughts or beliefs, but the quiet, powerful language of our body.

Pain often gets our attention—but it’s not the body’s first attempt to speak. Before the scream comes the whisper: a gut feeling, a subtle twinge, a rush of heat, a chill that comes from nowhere. There’s an internal compass always pointing us toward truth, but in a world that teaches us to override and ignore, we forget how to listen.

After my ayahuasca retreat in Ecuador, I recorded a voice note walking along the Río Tomebamba, overwhelmed in the best way by what I’d learned. One of the most visceral lessons came through my gut—literally. The purging during ceremony wasn’t just physical; it was deeply intuitive, releasing layers of emotional and energetic debris I’d been holding.

Later, in another spirit-medicine journey at home, Mother Ayahuasca returned—same gut symptoms, even the same smell. She told me I should have taken the second cup that night in ceremony. I knew that. Deep down, I knew. But I wasn’t ready. And still, she came. She gave me the lessons anyway. That is grace. That is intuition at work, and it’s what I want to share with you.

Healing and Listening in Community

The body gives us second chances. And third. And fourth. But if we continue not to listen, the signals get louder. Eventually, the body YELLS—through injuries, pain, autoimmune flares, even cancer. Dis-ease is not a betrayal. It’s the body’s most desperate attempt to be heard.

But the beautiful thing? We can start listening anytime. And when we do, the body doesn’t hold a grudge. It begins to soften. It begins to heal.

This practice isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. You weren’t ready to hear it before—but you’re ready now. Start where you are. Listen gently. Trust the twinges. Follow the chills. Honor the tension. The more you listen, the more fluent you’ll become in your body’s unique language of truth.

Ways to Start Listening to Your Body

You don’t have to spend hours in meditation or dive in with both feet. You don’t need a retreat or a big plan. Just start. One breath, one pause, one moment of tuning in. Here are some simple, beautiful ways to begin:

• Meditation (even 5 minutes counts, my new favorite app is called "The Way")

• Reflexology

• Creative visualization & manifestation

• Loving-kindness practices

• Massage therapy

• Sitting quietly in nature (barefoot if you can - with your dog too :))

• Walking or hiking without your phone

• Journaling body sensations and emotions

• Breathwork or somatic practices

• Gentle movement or stretching

• Sound healing or drumming

• Taking retreats (solo or guided)

• Conscious rest (like yoga nidra)

• A healing circle that will help customize your plan

Grounding with Freya

Whatever you choose, remember: start simple. And start now.