What Are You Holding?
And what can you release?
Hello there,
One of my favorite things about meditation and yoga is that they are conduits to help us better understand our bodies. When you have a deeper understanding of your body and you are stressed, you can notice where tension is showing up physically, and then try to release it. We spend a lifetime in our bodies and of course, we want to be as comfortable as possible. We can work with the tension we physically feel and often, we can let some of it go so we can move with more ease.
When we feel better life goes better.
I have a vivid memory of watching my daughter narrate her first-grade play. She was well-practiced and ready to go, but there she was on stage, climbing up the stepstool to stand behind the podium that was bigger than she was. I was nervous for her, and the tension was showing up in my body. My shoulders were raised. My hands were clenched onto the armrests. My breathing was shallow. Luckily I noticed in time to take a few deep breaths and do my best to soften my body and breath so I could better enjoy her performance.
Some people get worry lines on their faces. Some have smile lines. People get lumps in their throats and pains in their necks. Butterflies in their stomachs. Broken hearts. Stress manifests in our bodies, often we can feel it if we pay attention, so we can begin to release it if we know where to look.
Where does tension show up for you?
A yoga practice is ideal for checking in if you can slow down and pay attention to how your body feels as you form each shape. Where can you expand? What needs to shift so that you can un-tense pockets of tightness? As you move through class, think of your inhale as an opportunity to stretch and grow and your exhale as a means to settle, soften, and relax.
This week’s traditional body scan meditation is one of the best ways to get to know the body you live in. It involves slowing down enough to gather all your attention onto your senses, fingers, shoulders, toes, and all the other parts. It will be worth it, I promise.
Five Senses Body Scan Meditation
One more thing. A question I get asked a lot is what to wear to meditate. My answer is anything comfortable. You do not need any special clothing. If you are going to a meditation class and will be sitting on the floor, anything loose and non-constricting is best.
I also get asked about “the best” yoga leggings. There are so many choices! I wear them at least part of most days, so I look for ones that will hold up well. My personal favorites are at this link.
Thanks for checking in. I’m glad you’re here.
Have a great week!
xx Page