Body Communication

Try it in five minutes

Before reading any explanation, see whether you can feel it. No equipment needed.

1. Sit somewhere where the air around you is still. Hold your hands close together, not touching.
2. Pay attention to one hand. Look for a faint sensation, like a light pull together or push apart, as if holding magnets.
3. Move your attention back and forth between hands and notice the sensation follow your attention.
4. Now hold one hand open in front of you. Without moving, intend to reach for a glass of water to drink it. Notice whether the sensation moves toward your fingertips (a yes) or back toward your wrist (a no).
5. Repeat with a few items: water or citrus usually gets a yes, while candy or coffee usually get a no.

Check yourself with coffee. Most people expect their body to say yes to coffee. In almost everyone taught, their body has said no. The exception being related to ADHD under certain circumstances. That test and others are in the Test lab.

Before you start. Every so often, pause and check how you feel. If you suddenly want dimmer light, need to lie down or put your feet up, or don't want to continue, your body is adapting (a rebuild). Stop asking your body questions, dim the lights, rest, and wait until it passes. Pushing through can cause problems that last much longer. If you live with chronic fatigue or another fatigue related ongoing health condition, don't start on your own. Work with someone experienced, and keep your regular medical care. Body communication is not a replacement for standard medical care.

If you don't feel it in your hands. About a quarter of people need more time. Your body may answer somewhere else first, such as your feet, face or legs. The signal may also feel different for you, like a mild ache instead of a tingle or pull. Try other body parts (see The Body’s Responses). With practice, more areas and different kinds of signals usually start working.

Some substances can interfere with body communication. Cannabis often prevents responses, alcohol may also, and so may any drug or medication that numbs sensation or alters attention. Don't stop or change a prescribed medication to try body communication. Talk with your doctor first.

What to expect. Responses may fade or feel doubtful after a while as your body adapts. That's normal. Go back to the basic exercise and build up again from there. Full lesson: Conversing with Your Body.