Throughout our book you are urged to do a lot of self reflection – on your values, strengths and talents, how you handle change, your community. This is often hard to begin doing. In our extroverted society you may feel that you are being too self-obsessed, narcissistic, uncaring, unavailable, when you take the time to slow down and review your own life.
But we grow into a conscious, creative life by making authentic choices with integrity. And that comes from understanding and accepting who you are now.
A body scan is a great way to begin! Our bodies are the containers and vehicles for all our thoughts, emotions, plans and actions. And yet we often run right over them, ignore them or despise them rather than listening to them.
Begin by settling into a comfortable position, sitting or lying down. Take a few deep, relaxed breaths and then let your attention move slowly down your body from head to toe. Notice any tension or tightness you come upon and just let it be for now. Notice what parts of your body you like and are grateful for, and what parts you wish were different.
Thank your body for getting you this far and for all it enables you to do. A few more deep breaths and then begin to repeat internally, “Relax, release, let go”. You may want to shrug your shoulders, turn your head from side to side, clench and unclench your hands – go for it! As you do so, notice any thoughts or feelings that emerge as your body releases the tension it has been carrying for you. Is this chronic or situational? Anything you can let go of?
Return your attention to the parts of your body you are unhappy or uncomfortable with- can you offer them a little loving kindness? Most of us have been, or are, dealing with extra Covid 15 (like the good old college freshman 15!) aging, infirmities. And many of us lost doctor appointments, gym memberships, group support, during the pandemic. You might need a new plan for caring for your body- with gratitude and compassion, not judgement! It has, and continues to do so much for you!
Hopefully, as we mature we can give up societal expectations and standards of body perfection and treasure our bodies as the living, breathing examples of the life we are living. See your battle scars as badges of honor, not shame!
Ask yourself-
What has my body been unconsciously carrying for me? Anything I can do about it?
Does my body need particular care in any area? How can I plug that into my busy life?
What am I most grateful to my body for?
Celebrate all the uniqueness of your own self – Patty & Suzanne
News Updates:
We are starting a fun new beginner’s watercolor class in November at the Ojai Art Center. Details here