2nd fact of the day: I don’t go to the gym to lose weight or..

2nd fact of the day: I don’t go to the gym to lose weight or get strong, I go to the gym to connect to my body. If you or anyone you know has ever experienced some sort of trauma, they have experienced the sensation of leaving their body. Sometimes for days, weeks, and maybe even for life. Dissociating is one of the flashiest red signs that you are struggling with something that happened in your past. I remember, for me, during the GDP video, I completely left my body and actually turned around to watch myself. Then everything was black. For days. I don't remember how I got home. I don’t remember anything. Then I put on a face and began pretending I could handle anything that came at me. The bullying, the judgment, friends not believing me, and even my family’s doubt. So I dissociated whenever something hurtful would happen to me because, well, it worked! I was able to withstand the pain because I wasn’t actually feeling it. Doing this for eight plus years has taken a toll on my body, both physically and emotionally. It’s why im so sick, for example. I had a big AHA! moment with my therapist the other day. He asked me what brings me back into my body as we were talking about the importance of being in your own body. I told him that my two biggest hobbies include connecting to my body. I told him I dance almost every day and I spend a lot of money to fly to different places/shows with my friends to dance for 48+ hours straight. I also said I lift. And he said “that makes so much sense.” Being at the gym connects me to every muscle in my body. I’m forcedd to be present. Chasing gains help challenge me to be more present each time. I love it so much. I had a friend ask me why I go to concerts so much because the thought of it would drain her in three minutes and I explained that being at a concert forcess you to be present in ourself. You’re moving through the music and you’re moving with other people’s bodies and energies. It makes so much sense that I prioritize these things above all else because im in desperate need, subconsciously, to be present in my body after being away from it for so long. And I wanted to share because there are SO many ways we can connect to our bodies, not just through meditation. So many people write meditation off immediately because it’s difficult then go about their lives as if nothing can be done if they can’t master meditation. I truly believe that dancing every day and spending time mindfully lifting will help me be present in my body just as well as anyone else who meditations for the exact same amount of time. Find what works for you. Now, I’m curious. When do you feel most connected to your body? I’d love to know, dm me or comment below ♥