Listening to the Body: The Missing Link in Personal Growth

The body keeps the score.

That phrase has become popular in trauma and psychology circles—but it’s just as true in coaching. The body often senses what the mind tries to ignore. Yet so many professionals, especially high achievers, move through life disconnected from the very signals that could help them heal, grow, and move forward.

Your Body as an Inner Compass

We like to think we make decisions with logic. But neuroscience shows that emotion and intuition—often felt in the body first—play a massive role in how we respond to challenges, relationships, and opportunities.

The body often whispers before it screams:

·      A tight chest before a difficult conversation

·      A drained feeling after saying yes (when you wanted to say no)

·      A buzzing restlessness when something in your life feels misaligned

What would happen if you paused long enough to listen?

Coaching from the Inside Out

In my coaching practice, clients often come in thinking they have a mindset problem. But as we slow down and tune into the body, something deeper surfaces:

·      A gut feeling they’ve ignored

·      Chronic tension they’ve normalized

·      Physical cues that map directly to emotional truths

Once we name it, something shifts. The body becomes a partner in the process—not just a container for stress.

Try This: A Simple Body Check-In

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or indecisive, take 60 seconds to ask:

·      What sensations am I noticing in my body right now?

·      Where do I feel open? Where do I feel tight or closed off?

·      If that sensation could speak, what might it say?

This small practice builds the muscle of awareness. And with awareness comes choice.

The Bottom Line

Growth doesn’t just happen in your head—it happens when your body and mind are aligned.

The next time you feel blocked, pause.

Your body might already have the answer. Reach out here.