Welcome to our meditation today.
Today we will be incorporating somatics into our practice to help release any physical tension or discomfort that may be associated with past traumatic experiences.
Thank you for joining me today.
My name is Kem from Mindfulness Manor and it's my great pleasure to walk you through our meditation practice for today.
Begin by finding a comfortable seated position either on the floor or in a chair with your back upright.
Take a moment and close your eyes or bring your eyes down to a soft gaze,
Whatever feels more comfortable for you.
Take a deep breath in through your nose,
Filling your lungs all the way up and exhale slowly out through your mouth.
As you continue to breathe deeply take a moment to scan your body for any areas of tension or discomfort.
You might notice that some areas feel more tense or achy than others and this is completely normal.
It's important to give yourself permission to feel these sensations without judgment or criticism.
Instead try to cultivate a sense of curiosity and openness as you explore these areas.
As you come across any areas of tension or discomfort shift your attention to these areas without tensing up or resisting the sensation.
Simply notice what you are feeling and allow yourself to be present with it.
Take a deep breath in and imagine that you are sending your breath directly to the area of tension or discomfort.
Visualize your breath as a warm healing light that is spreading throughout your body and bringing a sense of ease and relaxation.
And now that we have softened and eased your body,
I'd like to bring your mind to a past experience that may still be weighing heavily on you.
The thing that brought you to this meditation today.
It could be your childhood memory,
A past relationship or a traumatic event that is relevant to you in your life.
Allow yourself to sit with this memory for a moment acknowledging any emotions which is coming up for you.
Be gentle with yourself.
It can be difficult to revisit painful memories so it's important to approach this exercise with a sense of compassion and understanding.
Remember you are not defined by your past experiences and while they may have shaped who you are today they do not determine your future.
Take your time here.
This practice may bring up lots of emotions so it's important to go at your own pace and take breaks if you need.
And as you sit with this memory try to observe it from an objective standpoint.
Try to find gratitude in this experience.
While it may be difficult to do so initially,
Reflecting on the positive aspects of the experience can help you find closure and help you move forward.
Take a deep breath in through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth and while centering on the aspect of gratitude bring your attention to the physical sensations in your body that are associated with this memory.
Do you notice any tightness in your chest or stomach?
Any tension in your shoulders or neck?
Or are you clenching your teeth?
Take a deep breath in and gently exhale through your mouth.
Now begin to gently move your body in a way that feels good to you.
You might sway from side to side,
Roll your shoulders,
Stretch your arms over your head and allow yourself to move in a way that feels natural and intuitive.
Following the rhythm of your breath,
Staying centered with a feeling of gratitude.
As you're moving continue to breathe in deeply with intention this time.
With each inhale invite in a sense of peace and calm.
With each exhale release any tension or discomfort from your body and sigh it out with relief.
Do this a few times.
And as you continue to move and breathe imagine that you are releasing this energy of your past experience from your body.
Visualize it as a dark cloud of energy that is now dissipating and leaving behind a sense of lightness and clarity.
When you feel ready slowly come back to the stillness of the moment.
Take a deep breath in and out and allow yourself to rest in this peaceful present moment.
Knowing that you can return to this practice at any time you need to release any physical or emotional tension.
The most important thing is to keep showing up and practicing with an open heart and mind.
Thank you for joining me today in this somatic meditation on healing.
Healing may you be free from suffering and find peace within yourself.
