What would it be like for one moment to just appreciate all the miraculous things your body does for you? To have gratitude for the simple things that keep you alive.
We live in a world that teaches us our body is a machine to be used for pleasure, completion of physical tasks, connection, and to push or abuse as we see fit.
We learn that we live in between our ears, and rarely think about the rest of us unless something is wrong with it.
We learn to self-objectify and judge our bodies to the often unattainable ideal from society.
In this way, we learn to disconnect from our bodies when it doesn’t look like the ideal, or do the things we want it to, or when distress or discomfort overwhelms us.
We often believe that it is mind and body, where the mind is separate, yet encased in this meat puppet we make do our bidding. We rarely learn that we are our body. I want to say that again, and I would like you to chew on it for a while today.
You are your body. Your body is your first home, built especially for you to experience life with. It isn’t perfect, but it is unique and infinitely special. There has never been another one just like it.
What would it be like for one moment to just appreciate all the miraculous things your body does for you? To have gratitude for the simple things that keep you alive.
Embodiment is defined by Manuela Mischke-Reeds as, “feeling oneself directly, without the
constant narration or interpretation of our thinking mind. This embodiment has no judgment, no commentary from an inner belief, and no filters, but rather presents the raw data of the body ‘as is’.”
Embodiment is so important because when you can feel into your body, you can listen to cues to better care for yourself. Also, if you can anchor into your body, you can unhook from the narrative inside your head that causes you suffering or keeps you stuck. Many people don’t have regular practices of coming back into their bodies, but with some simple tools, you can build awareness that can help you to reconnect with your body. Here are some ways to practice:
1. Belly breathing: Inhaling and moving your belly button away from your spine, then
exhaling and pulling it toward your spine.
2. A body scan in which you say out loud all of the sensations you are experiencing from
your head down to your feet.
3. Feeling your clothes on your skin.
4. Noticing 5 things you can see, 4 things you can feel, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you
can smell, and 1 thing you can taste.
5. Bringing your attention into the room and orienting, letting your eyes wander and being
curious to what they are catching on. Then bring your attention into your body and be
curious what you notice. Repeat once or twice.
6. Finding the most comfortable part of your body and identifying what makes it
comfortable.
If you need help in your journey to reconnect with your body please reach out or sign up for a free consultation.
Jeanne Wickham, LPC, LAC Contact: 719-581-3126 ext. 703