Welcome.
I'm Teresa.
And I'm so glad you're here.
Before we begin,
I want to offer you a small possibility.
Just for the next few minutes,
Here with me.
What if your body isn't working against you?
What if the tightness in your chest?
The tension in your shoulders.
The busy thoughts.
The exhaustion.
Aren't signs that you've failed.
What if there are signs that your nervous system has been trying?
Perhaps imperfectly,
But sincerely,
To keep you safe.
Let's take one slow breath,
Nothing forced.
Nothing deep just enough to notice that you're here.
Feel the chair beneath you,
Or the bed,
Or the floor.
Notice what is supporting your weight.
You don't have to hold yourself up quite so much right now.
Perhaps your body has been standing guard for a long time.
Scanning for danger.
Preparing for disappointment.
Trying to stay one step ahead.
Not because it wanted to.
But because somewhere along the way,
That became its job.
See if you can silently thank it.
Because everything it does feels helpful.
But because it has never stopped trying.
Imagine your nervous system as a very loyal friend.
One that's been awake for far too many nights.
One that is constantly double-checking the locks.
Watching the horizon.
Trying to anticipate what might happen next.
Eventually.
Even the most devoted protector becomes tired.
Perhaps today,
Rather than asking it to work harder.
You can simply let it know,
I've got you.
That's come into our bodies and just notice.
Will invite softness rather than trying to achieve it.
So just noticing the tension that may be in your forehead.
Your jaw.
Your throat.
Your shoulders.
Your hands.
Your belly.
Your hips.
Your legs.
Your feet.
Wherever you discover tension,
There is nothing to fix.
Simply whispered inwardly,
You don't have to work quite so hard right now.
And if your body doesn't soften,
That's okay.
Feeling safe is not something that can be forced.
It can only be invited.
Let's take a nice slow breath.
As we sit with that invitation to soften.
As we come toward the end of our practice.
See if one hand would like to rest somewhere on your body.
Maybe your chest.
Your forehead.
Your belly.
There's no perfect place.
Simply somewhere that feels neutral.
And let's quietly offer these words.
My body.
Thank you.
You have carried me through so much.
You don't have to convince me anymore.
I am learning to listen.
And let's take one final breath together.
And maybe leave today holding this possibility.
Your body may not be your enemy.
It may simply be the most loyal protector you've ever known.
Thank you for practicing with me today.
Until next time,
Be gentle with yourself.
And remember as always,
You are loved.
You are whole.
You are enough.
