Interoception is the ability to sense what is going on inside our bodies. It is often called our “sixth sense” because it is not one of the five traditional senses (sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch). Interoception allows us to feel our heartbeat, our breathing, our body temperature, and our internal organs. It also allows us to feel our emotions, such as anger, sadness, and happiness.
Interoception is often overlooked, but it is an essential part of our well-being. When we are able to accurately sense what is going on inside our bodies, we are better able to take care of ourselves. We can also better understand our emotions and respond to them in a healthy way.
There are many ways to improve our interoceptive awareness. One way is to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. When we practice mindfulness, we can learn to notice the subtle sensations in our bodies. We can also learn to observe our thoughts and emotions without getting caught up in them.
Another way to improve our interoceptive awareness is to do yoga. Yoga is a mind-body practice that helps us to connect with our bodies. As we move through yoga poses, we can learn to feel the different parts of our bodies and how they are connected. We can also learn to relax and let go of tension.
Improving our interoceptive awareness is a journey, not a destination. It takes time and practice to develop this skill. But the benefits are worth it. When we are more in tune with our bodies, we are better able to take care of ourselves and live a more balanced and fulfilling life.
The article you linked to discusses how interoception can be lost when we ignore or suppress painful emotions. When we do this, our bodies learn to quiet down and our ability to listen in is diminished. We become detached, disconnected, and disembodied. This can lead to problems in both our physical and emotional health.
The good news is that interoception can be regained with practice. Mindfulness and yoga are two great ways to improve our interoceptive awareness. By paying attention to our bodies and our emotions, we can learn to listen to our inner wisdom and take better care of ourselves.
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