When a Shoulder Has a Say

The client was frustrated with a shoulder pain that would not go away. Health care providers had been unable to find anything to treat or cure, other than suggest the use of anti-inflammatory medications. “What would your shoulder tell you, if we asked” I offered. “What do you mean?”, was the curious answer. “If you could give your shoulder a voice, what would it say?” This was how an incredible session began. Through the voice of the client, this painful shoulder “complained” about being overworked, ignored, about being in charge of protecting my client from frequent situations that were causing them stress and sadness.

During my experiences as a holistic coach, I have heard bodies speak about things my clients were not aware or had been consistently ignoring. However, since childhood, humans have been educated to quietly sit in classes, many of us for more than a decades, seeing and listening to knowledge being shared with our minds. During these long hours, our bodies are mostly immobile, twitching and itching, craving for movement we are not allowed to display. If we are not involved in work that requires constant movement, our daily jobs also mimic the school experience. During these long office hours, our bodies are minimally involved while the mind informs our arms and hands what to write, type, say, or talk on the phone. When we experience issues and look for psychological support, once again, we find ourselves seated in chairs, with our bodies mostly quiet, while the mind takes over and we talk.

Listening to shoulders, knees, feet, arms, lower backs, and even a headache, has made me a strong believer in that the body needs to speak and we have a lot to learn by listening to it. I have found that clients experience surprise, disbelief, amazement, and relief by listening to the body as a way of knowing about their own stories. But mostly, I have witnessed the results of the body and mind integration, translated as empowerment and resolve for change.

Are you curious about what your body would have to tell you?