The Inner Alignment Check-In
1. Introduction
Do you live on autopilot? Do you have a hard time hearing what your body needs? Are you out of touch with your emotions and feeling overwhelmed? Then you may need to check in with yourself more often.
Not only can you check in with yourself, but you can also check in with your physical body, intellectual body, emotional body, and spiritual body. By checking in with these four parts of yourself, you will begin to feel more aligned with your needs and wants.
My experience with the four-body method began when I attended my 200-hour yoga teacher training. This method stuck with me because it allowed me to slow down and be present with my connection with myself and what was coming up for me at that moment.
Now, I want to share this simple but effective check-in method with you.
In this blog post, we will be talking about checking in with yourself and the importance of checking in with yourself as well. We will dive deep into the four parts of yourself you can check in with, which I call "bodies." I will even provide you with a template you can use to start checking in with each of these bodies. So let's get into it.
**You will need a piece of paper, or you can download this free template HERE.*
Why is it Important to Check in with Yourself?
2. Why is it Important to Check in with Yourself?
It is essential to check in with yourself, as it allows you to slow down and be fully present. When you can be present with yourself, you can offer more compassion and kindness to yourself and what comes up, which is always a nice feeling! Additionally, checking in with yourself allows you to be a better listener of your needs and wants in life.
3. Physical Body
So, let's start with the physical body. Take a few deep breaths, close your eyes, and begin to connect with your body. Do a slow body scan from the top of your head to your feet and take note of any tensions, pains, or places that need more attention. Also, notice the places in your body that feel relaxed, easy, and connected.
Open your eyes and come back to the room. Now write down your check-in with your physical body. Write down any of the things you noted during your body scan or anything else you want to make note of.
After you note your physical body check-in, write down what you can do today or this week to help your physical body feel better and more aligned with what you need and want.
Lastly, write down a positive affirmation regarding your physical body that can help you today and this week. Something like, "My body is feeling strong and safe."
4. Intellectual Body
Next, let's check in with the intellectual body. Take a few deep breaths again, close your eyes, and begin to connect with yourself and your intellectual body. Begin to notice what is coming up for you here. Begin to ask yourself, what does this intellectual part of me need? What are they asking for at this moment? Does this intellectual part of me need more stimulation or less? Begin to really listen, accept, and have compassion for what is coming up for this part of yourself.
Open your eyes and come back to the room slowly. Now, write down anything that came up for you during this intellectual body check-in.
After you note your intellectual body check-in, write down what you can do today or this week to help your intellectual body feel better and more aligned with what you need and want.
Lastly, write down a positive affirmation regarding your intellectual body that can help you today and this week. Something like, "I know more than enough to be successful."
5. Emotional Body
Next, let's check in with your emotional body. Take a few deep breaths again, close your eyes, and begin to connect with your emotional self. Are there any particular feelings that are coming up at this moment? Name them, but do not judge them. Allow them to just be. Where do these emotions and feelings live in your body? What are they trying to tell you? Really listen and accept what is happening at this moment? Lastly, notice what they are asking for at this moment?
Open your eyes and come back to the room slowly. Now, write down anything that came up for you during this emotional body check-in.
After you note your emotional body check-in, write down what you can do today or this week to help your emotional body feel better and more aligned with what you need and want.
Lastly, write down a positive affirmation regarding your emotional body that can help you today and this week. Something like, "I am allowed to feel anger"
6. Spiritual Body
Before you begin checking in with your spiritual body, let me explain what spirituality in this context means. Your spirituality doesn't mean you have to be religious, but it can if you want it to. Your spirituality could be your connection with your higher self, nature, the universe, or anything you feel a connection to.
Now that we understand what spirituality means, let's check in with your spiritual body. Take a few deep breaths, close your eyes, and begin to connect with your spiritual self.
Is there anything that is coming up as you connect with this part of yourself? What is your spiritual body asking for at this moment? Do you need to connect more with yourself or with nature? Or even other people? Or do you feel you need less connection and more space? Whatever it is. Take note of it without judgment.
Open your eyes and come back to the room slowly. Now, write down anything that came up for you during this spiritual check-in.
After you note your spiritual body check-in, write down what you can do today or this week to help your spiritual body feel better and more aligned with what you need and want.
Lastly, write down a positive affirmation regarding your spiritual body that can help you today and this week. Something like, "I am one with nature" or "I am in deep connection with my higher self."
7. Conclusion
That's it! Pretty simple! Just close your eyes, breathe, and notice. Nothing to it really. You can even do one meditation that encompasses all of these check-ins at one time! If you have any feedback or want to share what came up for you, please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you!