Interoception

Interoception is the quiet, often unnoticed sense that tells us what’s going on inside our own body. It’s how we know when we’re hungry, thirsty, tired, or need to use the bathroom. But it’s also how we feel the tightness in our chest when we’re anxious, the warmth in our heart when we’re loved, or the lump in our throat when we’re about to cry.

Think of it as your body’s internal compass — a way of sensing your inner world moment by moment. It’s your ability to "listen" to the signals your body sends, and to understand what they’re trying to tell you.

When you have strong interoception, you can catch the early signs of stress before they overwhelm you. You notice when you need to rest, when you’re getting upset, or when you feel safe and calm. You learn to trust your body as a source of wisdom, not just a machine that carries you around.

For someone who’s anxious, disconnected, or has experienced trauma, interoception can feel distant or even silent. But gently learning to tune back in—to notice your breath, your heartbeat, the flutter in your stomach—is like re-learning a language you forgot you could speak.

At its heart, interoception is about coming home to yourself. It's not just noticing what you feel, but honoring it. It's saying, My body is speaking, and I’m learning to listen.