The following is a very simple yet effective mindfulness practice that can be utilized at any time.
The simple practice of a check-in can be done before or after a yoga practice.
It could be before you start your day and how you end your day.
It could be utilized before you go into a meeting,
Before you get into your car and face traffic,
Or at any given moment of the day.
You can be seated,
Standing,
Walking,
Driving,
Eyes open and all closed.
You may have your own way to check in.
If it's available to you,
I invite you to shut down your eyes and check in with where you're at.
Check in with how you're feeling physically.
Mentally.
Or emotionally.
Now notice if there's tension or resistance in the body or the mind.
Try not to cause any struggle or strain around the practice.
And just know whatever arises is you right now.
There's no need to try and control or manage anything.
Now bring into your awareness your surroundings.
Notice any sounds that come in and out of your awareness.
Notice where your position is and any environment that you're in.
Now come back to the breath.
Bring your attention to the breath.
Not the need to try and control or manage anything.
Just simply witness the breath.
And when you're ready,
Take three slow and deep rounds of breath through the nose and sigh or exhale out the mouth in your own time.
And when you're ready,
Gently open your eyes.
The check in is a simple yet effective practice.
You can use it in a whole range of situations and scenarios.
Check in often,
Give yourself a realistic picture of where you're at.
This concludes the practice.
Namaste.
