Two voices

Right now, I’m working on a big illustration project that I’m not really enjoying. It’s not terrible — it’s just not lighting me up. And instead of procrastinating (which my husband tells me is “what a normal person would do”), my instinct has been to do the opposite: work on it as much as possible so I can get through it.

On paper, that sounds reasonable to me.

But in practice, it means my days haven’t been feeling very good. I’m spending many hours in a funky mood, tired from sitting, pushing, and concentrating.

Here’s the interesting thing:

I’ve noticed my mind keeps saying:
Just push through. Work harder. Get it done, Penny. Then you can rest.

And my body is saying something else entirely:

My dear, get up and move.
Go outside.
Balance this out.
Eat something nourishing.
Stretch. Breathe. Slow down.

This reminded me of something I learned in Ayurveda school that genuinely surprised me:

The body tends to crave what will bring it back into balance.
The mind often craves more of what it already has.

Isn’t that interesting?

So when we’re in a mode of strain, the mind often wants more effort.
But on a more subtle level, the body quietly asks for restoration.

The practice, I’m learning, is listening beyond the mind — and tuning in to that deeper, balancing voice.

And boy, this is sometimes super challenging, right?

I’ll be honest: I haven’t been listening very well with this project. I can feel it taking a toll on my body, and my mind has grown a little sharp around the edges. And for what? Is this how I want to move through my one precious life?

So I’m writing this post to challenge myself, and maybe you, too, if you need this:

Notice your mind.
But listen to your body.

Ask: Who is speaking right now — my body, or my momentum?

That pause holds a lot of wisdom. It’s up to us to listen and respond with care for ourselves.

I hope this resonates, dear reader. I’m right here with you, learning a gentler way.