embodied boundaries
the art of caring for ourselves well
The summer heat is hot and its intensity brings reminders of the necessity of living with limits & boundaries. I wrote about the summer energetics and the element of fire last week and this week I want to offer some real life perspective on how I’ve been noticing the heat amplify the nervous system. I have found myself speaking/teaching and reminding clients of living their embodied boundaries recently so I thought it could be helpful to share more here. I define embodied boundaries as honoring the limits of your nervous system, moving your feet towards or away from what is not supportive, having a voice, and understanding where to go during the intensity of change. Boundaries are here to remind us of personal space, the right to think/reflect and remembering that we get to have a choice to pause, breathe and find resources. Embodied Boundaries asked to be lived…to be embodied.
Nothing will push our limits like the intensity of the heat.
The fire of summer does just that…
The fire can take us far away from our center, disperse our energy, zap our clarity, and scatter our minds. From schedules changing, to the collective upheaval and trauma, to a literal 100+ heat wave covering the east coast…our nervous system is challenged.
Where do we go?
What do we do?
How do we land again despite the intensity of it all?
The fastest way to know what we need is to check in with the body and its inner guidance that knows the way to clarity, help, water, peace, and our centered selves. There are nuances to this guidance but we can gently listen to what we need to feel a little bit more whole in the midst of intensity.
Embodied boundaries are not only about keeping things out but also about what we welcome in. Here are some ideas of embodied boundaries that come to mind as we breathe through the heat.
Can you make room in your day to breathe?
Can you add in buffers to your busy schedule?
Can you tend a little more on the front and back end of your days?
Can you go to bed early?
Can you turn off the media?
Can you hydrate?
Can you rest?
Can you garden or connect to nature?
Can you commune with nourishment?
Can you welcome yourselves back from the fire by finding solace and covering in the soil, the spirit, the water or a safe relationship?
All of these things matter and nourish your being.
When the heat intensifies, what we chose next can either be medicine or chaos for our bones. Many times we’ll keep choosing chaos because we often chose familiar soothing. If we haven’t created new grounding and loving habits yet then often times the chaos of soothing is what we’ll reach for.
For me this can be subtle…over work, tune out, go numb, or distract. When I live my embodied boundaries, my soothing actually brings me back to center not further away.
I hope this is a gentle reminder that as the heat of the summer intensifies, so will our loving choices. Can we make room for our needs? Can we plan ahead to add in buffers to our days and weeks? Can we honor our choices that keep us grounded and connected? Can we move our bodies in the way of love and goodness?
Boundaries are simply limits, gates, and portals to wisdom and sacred medicine. Naming that we have limits is the very first boundary.
What are your limits this season? What are you working with from spring?
I have attached a complimentary Summer Soul Care guide for you to use to notice what you need, whats missing, and what you are currently working with within yourself. I offered this in my Summer Solstice Soul Care Yoga class but wanted to share here as an offering and thank you to those following this work.
I believe we rise together. I believe when we honor our centers many many many benefit. Take care you. Live your embodied boundaries and let the heat bring sweet clarity to things that only the fire can teach us.
Click below to download your free Summer Soul Care Guide.
Thank you so much for being here with House of Healing. I hope these words and writings bring breath to your being. For more healing offerings and experiences, visit jennalittle.com