Sitting With Discomfort

Sitting with discomfort is a challenge for many of us. Instead, we avoid it in any way that we can, which usually results in the feelings coming back stronger. This short practice allows you to sit with the discomfort from a place of curiosity. The more you practice breathing into the bodily sensations, the more likely they are to dissipate.

Music from Uppbeat
License code: MRQGFOKBO3P0RL3P

Transcript

Welcome to this meditation which is centred on the practice of sitting with discomfort. Before we begin, Finding the most comfortable position for your body, Either seated or laying down. Position yourself in a way that you'll be able to fully tune into what's going on in your body, So making sure that you're not experiencing any tension or strain in the muscles or joints. And now, Close your eyes. Scanning your awareness through the body and noticing which parts are experiencing discomfort. Your discomfort may be linked to a thought and feeling, But where is this showing up in your body? Once you have located the place where your discomfort sits, Take all your awareness there. What sensations are you experiencing? How would you describe them? As you place your awareness there, Are they getting bigger or smaller? Can you pinpoint where the discomfort starts in the body and where it stops? If you had to visualise a colour in the place of the discomfort, What colour would you see? Keeping your awareness there, Start to deepen the breath. Take a long breath in and as you lengthen the exhale, Imagine you're sending your breath to the place of discomfort. Imagine the breath is moving through and out of this place. Another deep inhale and exhale, Guiding the breath out to this place in the body. Allow the discomfort to soften and relax. Big breath in down into the belly, Chest rises, And breath out as you send the exhale to release and soften. Keep breathing in this way, Simply noticing what happens to the discomfort. If nothing changes, Then that's okay. By deepening the breath, You're calming the nervous system and coming back home to yourself. If your mind has wandered, Come back to your breathing. And now you can let the deep breathing go. Scanning the body once again and noticing how it feels now. If you had to give one compassionate message to this place of discomfort, What would it be? You are stronger than you realize. Your potential is infinite. Before we finish, You might like to place one hand over the chest to connect back in with your heart. The heart is the essence of who you truly are. Taking one last big breath in and let it out with a sigh. Thank you for practicing with me today. I wish you nothing but love.