This meditation is about honoring the body despite physical challenges.
If you're here,
Perhaps one of these three scenarios applies to you.
Maybe you used to be athletic,
But injury or illness set you back.
Perhaps you're noticing age-related challenges that are beyond your control.
Or maybe you were born with physical limitations that other people don't experience.
And if you're like me,
All three might apply.
Whatever the reason,
You're in the right place and I'm happy you're here.
So at this time I invite you to get comfortable.
Either sitting in a chair with your feet on the floor and hands resting in your lap.
Or you might choose to sit cross-legged on the floor or even lie down with your hands at your side.
Take a moment to get into a comfortable position.
Your eyes might be closed or you might be gazing gently in front of you.
Take a few long breaths here,
In and out through the nose.
For some people it's helpful to put the tip of their tongue behind their upper teeth.
Relaxing the jaw.
Reminding them to breathe deeply into the belly,
Just about two inches below your navel.
And exhale all of the air out.
And relax the breath,
Not trying to control it in any way.
Even if possible breathing in and out through the nose.
What the mind thinks the body tries to obey.
In fact your body has its own reality.
If you're frightened by a lion that's charging in front of you,
Or frightened just thinking about the lion,
Or watching something frightening on television,
Your body will respond as if it's reality,
Whether it's happening or if you're just thinking about it.
For example,
Ever think about how much work you have to get done in a day.
You get tired just thinking about it.
So today is about saying nice things to your body.
It will respond to your thoughts and your feelings.
So as we relax in this space,
Take a moment to notice what you're feeling in your body.
Scanning from head to toe for any physical sensations.
I'll be quiet for a moment.
Now as you scan your body,
Perhaps you noticed fatigue or irritation.
If you noticed specific sensations,
Such as a tightness in your belly or neck or anywhere,
Take a moment to inhale and breathe oxygen into those spaces.
And on the exhale,
Relax them.
Take a moment to notice what emotions are circulating in your body.
They may be a mix of positive and not so positive.
Just notice what surfaces.
Ask yourself the question,
What does my body need from me today?
Don't try to think of an answer.
Just breathe into the space and sit with it.
What does my body need from me today?
Ask yourself,
How can I best support myself?
For example,
Perhaps it's simply resting.
Maybe it's stretching.
How can I best support myself?
Now ask yourself,
What is beyond my control?
Stress often comes from needing control and not having it.
So after you ask,
How can I support myself and adapt,
Notice what you cannot control.
There are limitations that might be beyond you.
Ask yourself,
How can I accept what I cannot change?
And return to your breath.
Simply noticing the inhalation and exhalation,
If thoughts come to your mind,
Allow them to float by like clouds.
If there are any physical sensations that make you uncomfortable,
Make any subtle adjustments to feel more comfortable.
Breathe a little oxygen,
Breathe a little love into those spaces.
And last,
We take a moment to express gratitude for what our bodies do for us and have done for us for years.
So let's work our way down.
We say thank you body for my eyes,
For what I'm able to see and experience,
The beauty around me.
Even if my eyes are not perfect,
I am grateful for how my eyes have supported me.
We say thank you to our ears and for hearing,
Beautiful music,
The sound of a loved one.
Even if our hearing is imperfect,
What do we hear?
An internal heartbeat?
A rhythm of a drum?
We thank our voice for being able to hum and sing and speak and communicate.
We thank the ability to touch and feel and hug others.
We take a moment to notice smells of good food,
Of a salty beach,
Of the sidewalk after it rains.
We thank our bodies for movement,
Our arms and hands,
Being able to move even if they don't move as perfectly as we'd like.
Thank your body for all the ways it supports your movement.
Thank your legs and feet for walking,
For dancing.
If they cannot move the way you'd like them to,
How has your body adapted in other ways?
In other words,
If there's a part of your body that doesn't work,
How has the rest of the body rallied around you to support you?
And what has it taught you in this experience?
So the last question is,
Ask yourself,
How does my body support me?
Thank you for joining me.
