I live with chronic pain from a genetic condition that causes joint and muscle issues along with a host of secondary physical challenges. I have a fairly good working relationship with my body; we take turns freaking out, my body and I, but always support each other through the rough patches. We're a conjoined team. My body is dealing with some difficult times right now, so I am as supportive and encouraging as a best friend can be. When I become mentally or emotionally overwhelmed, my senses seem heightened and I am made aware, most without my volition, of how beautiful the world is and how fortunate I am to exist within it and have a part in what has been and what it becomes. My legs itch to go for a walk and soon my mind and spirit has settled back into a calmer and better place. Our agreement is no simultaneous crazy-making - and I say that as a soon-to-be (a few weeks) PhD candidate in psychology. 😉
I am always on the lookout for practices such as this which acknowledge and respect the gifts our bodies are to us, in whatever form they take. There is so much known about the human body, and yet it is still so incredibly mysterious. I am grateful for this vessel in which I move through my world, every single day. It may not meet some visions of "ideal," but I find the unique perspective it allows me to take far more compelling than the perspective that thousands of others have (and that I used to have). My awareness of the finer points of life, the details I see now because I must slow down - taking the opportunity to "smell the roses," as it were - is wonderful. Engaging in activities I never thought I would have time for is a blessing, even if that has come as a trade-off when prior activities I enjoyed are no longer physically possible or healthy for me.
I appreciate this practice so much. Much respect to you for recognizing the need and addressing it. For chronic pain and physical issues, it is known that an attitude of gratitude actually decreases pain levels and distress, while fighting it tends to increase the sensation of pain and resulting distress - and adds frustration and anxiety, often depression, to the mix.
I hope many people listen to this, even those who do not have physical health concerns. We can all benefit by an improved relationship with our bodies. Tuning in and observing, appreciating, respecting, and expressing gratitude for our organic being is a great way to start.
On a personal note, I did find the choice of music somewhat jarring and it took me a moment to settle in as a result. Not because there is anything at all wrong with the music, however. I love it! 😊 It's just used in multiple sleep and meditation tracks by one teacher here whom I have listened to for many years as one of my primary teachers, so hearing the music I associate so strongly with his tracks was the reason it was jarring for me. I felt like I should be settling in to sleep, and not hearing his voice kept popping my awareness back. In retrospect, that was actually helpful, as it enabled me to make the switch to your soothing and lovely voice, focusing on the content of the practice which is so different than those sleep practices.
Well done, from the bottom of my heart. I've bookmarked this and saved it to multiple library folders as well as added it to a couple personal playlists. I fully expect to be listening to this track frequently from here on.
Thank you so very much for gifting this extraordinary community with this insightful and well-crafted practice. I see you and the light within you. Be well. 🤲🏻💖🤲🏻
