Emotions - Our Basic Needs

As humans, we have so many emotions each day, but sometimes those emotions stem from the fact that we’ve forgotten to take care of our needs. In this practice, we will do a body scan to find some presence and awareness. Then we'll ask ourselves if we’ve been taking care of our basic needs, through a series of questions.

Transcript

As humans,

We have a wide range of emotions we feel every day.

But these emotions do not always stem from a particular situation,

And can sometimes simply be from the fact that maybe,

In all our busy lives and in all the stress,

We've forgotten to take care of our basic needs.

So take a moment to find some presence,

And then ask yourself if you've been truly taking care of your needs.

Find a quiet place,

Either sitting or laying down,

And close your eyes.

Take a deep breath in for a count of four,

And breathe out your mouth for a count of four.

Now start to notice your body and all the sensations.

Begin at the top of your head and release any tension you feel.

Focus on the top of your head and move slowly onto your forehead,

Your brows,

Ears,

Eyes,

Nose.

Feel your mouth.

Relax your cheeks and jaw.

And slowly move to the back of your head and feel your entire head lighten and relax.

Slowly make your way down to your neck and gently relax your shoulders.

Feel your arms,

Forearms,

Wrists,

Palms,

And fingers all loosen.

Now move down your chest and upper back.

And then slowly down your lower back and belly,

Releasing any tension or tightness you may be holding onto in these areas.

Now start to feel your hips,

Thighs,

Shins,

Calves.

Feel your ankles,

Your toes,

And then the soles of your feet.

Your entire body is now relaxed and you are in the present moment.

Now ask yourself,

Have I received enough rest today?

Have I eaten healthy and well?

Have I drank enough water?

Have I received some sunlight?

Have I taken the time for any physical activity today,

Even if just a small walk or a stretch?

Have I showered and taken care of my personal hygiene?

Am I feeling any physical discomfort or pain that I need to address?

Have I interacted with anyone today,

A friend,

A family member,

Anyone I feel close to?

If you answered no to any of these,

Start there and then re-evaluate your emotions.