Softening into the body
Do your shoulders ever feel like they’re literally carrying the weight of the world?
Soft gaze
In meditation and Tai Chi, we often talk about using a soft gaze. This means that rather than intently staring at something, we open our gaze to include the full visual field.
Body-mind connection
What I also find fascinating is the body-mind connection – how the way we use our bodies can influence our mental state. We can get a sense of this with a very simple exercise – walk around the room twice, once with the head down and shoulders slumped forward, staring at the floor; the second time with the head high.
Softening into the body – Part 2
One of the easiest way we can allow our bodies to soften is by using our breath.
Stilling the mind – Part 2
Fortunately, mindfulness offers us a whole range of practices which can be very helpful when we are dealing with ongoing restlessness and anxiety.
Working with sleepy mind
One of the most effective (but definitely under the category of ‘don’t try this at home’!) strategies for combating sleepy mind must be sitting on the edge of a deep well during meditation.
Posture
Just like water can’t flow through a hose which is crinkled, so energy can’t flow freely through a body which is stiff and tense.
Going with the flow
‘Flow is the antidote to trauma.’ Dr Peter A. Levine
The body-mind connection
Today, let’s try a little experiment – as you’re sitting here, clench your fists very tightly. Really experience what that feels like – in your body, but also in your mind. Hold it for about 30 seconds. Next, open your hands palms up and have them resting on your lap. Again, take a few moments […]
Balance
One of my favourite books in my early 20s was called ‘The Sacred Tree’, and it described the American Indian philosophy of finding balance in our lives. The book was written as part of a collaborative project involving representatives of forty American Indian tribes. A part of their world view which really spoke to me […]