Distress Tolerance: A Gentle Practice

In this practice, we slow things down and create space to be with what’s here—without needing to fix, avoid, or push anything away.

You’ll be gently guided to notice sensations, anchor into the body, and build capacity to stay present with discomfort.

This is a supportive practice for moments of overwhelm, emotional intensity, or inner activation.

Transcript

Hi there, I'm Caitlin Clark. Welcome to today's embodiment practice on distress tolerance, Or getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. It's human nature for us to try to avoid anything that feels uncomfortable in our body, Whether it's physical, Emotional, Spiritual pain or tension. And when we increase our willingness to be with what's going on inside of our body, We have an opportunity to really move closer to our inner knowing, To be able to move through our life with more freedom, Steadiness and clarity, Ultimately creating a sense of real self-trust. So let's begin. We'll start just by coming into a comfortable position, Seated or standing. Taking a full deep breath into your belly, Ribs and chest. And letting it go. And letting it go. One more time. Full deep breath in. And letting it go. Allowing your breath to settle back into its natural rhythm and pace. And bringing your awareness now to some area in your physical body that's calling for your attention. Not something that's screaming, That feels overwhelming. But for this first practice, Choose something that's gently nudging for your attention. Maybe an ache or a pain, A heaviness or a tension. Going gently this first time. And as you tune in to this sensation in your body, Can you welcome it? Welcome it with your breath. Not to try to get rid of the experience, But instead let it know that you see it. Or perhaps a gentle expression of acknowledgment with a hand on that space of your physical body. Or a message. You are welcome here. It's said that when we speak to our body in our mind or out loud, It inherently brings a sense of softening, Of feeling supported. And are you willing to be here for just one moment watching what happens? And then gently returning to your breath again. Inhaling deeply, Belly, Ribs and chest. And letting it go with a sigh. Taking a moment to notice what you notice from this gentle embodiment practice of increasing your bandwidth to hold all that's here gently and with awareness so that ultimately you have choice and more freedom around the choices that you make. Thank you for practicing with me today. Until next time, Be well.