The Body Knows - Do You Listen?

Something came to me recently that made me rethink the things I do day to day and the reliance on my mind to do those things. For the past 7 years, I have been making raw goat’s milk kefir smoothies using various superfoods, etc. Until recently, this was my first food most days of the week.. usually around 1:00-2:00 pm. I so looked forward to my smoothie — creamy and delicious! I chose to use goat’s milk instead of cow’s milk since it closely resembles breastmilk in its makeup of vitamins and minerals. It’s also easier on the digestive system and it just felt right for me at the time.

About 2 weeks ago, I received notice that the Amish farmer I deal with is having difficulty with the production of goat’s milk. Ugh! My worse nightmare! This may sound silly but when you rely on something that you literally love most days and it’s no longer there, it can upset things. But.. okay - so I switched to cow’s milk for the last 2 weeks. I have to admit, cow’s milk is tastier and creamier but I know I won’t stay with it for too long because it’s much different than goat’s milk and, in my opinion, is not an option for me.

So, here I am with no option to get goat’s milk for awhile since my farmer still have production issues. But, I always believe the universe sends messages and we have to be receptive to receiving them. I feel the message I am getting is that I need to be flexible and change things up. I am a very disciplined person and pride myself on this quality.. being disciplined has it’s advantages — I make sure I exercise every day, even if it’s taking a walk in nature; I care about what I eat each day; I make sure I get good sleep and I deal with stress. But, I am also aware that there is a fine line between being disciplined and being rigid. Hmm… I realize I have a tendency to be rigid and I know that’s the mind doing its work. But, what about my body? What is my body telling me? Am I listening or am I using my mind to decide?

I am happy I cannot get goat’s milk for awhile as I realize that switching things up and being more flexible is good for my health. I am at that point in my life where I’m tuning in to find the answers. If I listen to my body, it always gives me the answers that serve me well. I don’t put myself in a mindset where I HAVE to do this or do that — a place where I put pressure on myself to do the things my mind says I need to do in order to be….. blah, blah, blah. I now do the things I feel I want to do in the moment. There are no “shoulds” anymore and it feels so liberating.

Will I make goat’s milk kefir again in the future? Sure! If that’s what I want, I’ll make it. I just won’t be a victim to it.

I realize the side effects of being too rigid and they’re not good for me. I also realize I set up these parameters a long, long time ago when I had to control my world. And, one thing I have learned as I have lived longer is that letting go of controlling things is a gift.. a chance to be present in the moment and feel joy.

I hope you’re gifting yourself with gentleness and kindness.

-C