Taking Care of Your Back

[Eva Libre]

Inspirations

Taking Care of Your Back

The back and spine serves as the pillar of your body, holding and supporting you on many levels.

Our bodies — and the various parts — carry layers of meaning and purpose, beyond the physical and functional. For example, our heart pumps and circulates blood and oxygen, so we can live. And it holds a much deeper significance as the source of our love, courage, and even our soul. Similarly, our back is much more than meets the eye.

Physically, our back and spine serve as the pillar of our body, holding and supporting us. They maintain our balance, coordination, and posture, as well as protect our spinal cord and nerves. Metaphorically, our back represents the support and stability we seek in life — the people, values, and beliefs that uphold us to live in alignment with our authenticity. We often hear or say things like “I got your back” to communicate to someone that they can count on us to be there for them. We create a figurative "backbone" in our lives, enabling us to navigate life with resilience, grace, and openness.

Our physical back also encompasses emotional and mental well-being. Our backs carry the weight of stress, tension, and emotional burdens we’ve accumulated. Practices like meditation or gentle movement and stretches can help lighten the load. By consciously letting go of our emotional burdens, we free ourselves from their physical impact and create space for emotional healing.

Child’s pose is a gentle way to release stuck emotions and tension from your back, shoulders, and neck: Start by kneeling on the floor with your big toes touching and your knees hip-width apart. Sit back on your heels and slowly lower your torso towards the ground, folding forward. As you fold forward, extend your arms out in front of you with your palms facing down. Gently lower your forehead toward the floor, allowing your spine to lengthen and your tailbone to reach toward your heels. Take slow, deep breaths, and relax your entire body in this pose. Stay in Child's pose for 5-10 breaths or longer if desired, focusing on deepening your breath and releasing any tension. When you have finished, give gratitude to your back and body for supporting you.

by Madisyn Taylor

[MARGARIDA MARIA MADRUGA]

Thank you for the message.