Listen to Your Body’s Signals to Unlock Emotional Healing

You’re on a weekly video call when you feel that familiar tightness wrap around your shoulders. Your chest lifts uncomfortably and your jaw clenches as the discussion veers into criticism. You pause the call, rub your shoulders, and silently ask, ‘What’s beneath this tension?’ Surprising yourself, you admit you’re frustrated at not being heard. You breathe slowly, feel the tension melt, and return to the call more centered.

According to Dr. John Sarno’s mind‐body theory, chronic pain often serves as a warning light for unexpressed emotions. By tuning into body sensations and naming the hidden feelings—anger, fear, guilt—you allow the brain to process what’s been suppressed.

Later that day, you jot in your journal: neck tension = frustration at being dismissed. That insight leads you to schedule a one‐on‐one to voice your ideas clearly. Over time, what once felt like overwhelming pain becomes a map to your inner world.

By befriending discomfort instead of covering it up, you ally your body and mind in healing. The next time tension surfaces, you’ll know exactly where to begin.

Next time you catch tight shoulders or a clenched jaw, pause and place a hand on the tense spot, breathing deeply. Ask what emotion might be waiting to be felt—anger, sorrow, fear—and let your mind name it. Then write a quick note linking the feeling to the sensation, laying the foundation for deeper emotional release. This simple habit helps you work through suppressed pain and align body and mind for better healing. Give it a try after your next tense moment.