Welcome.
I'm Teresa and I'm so glad you're here.
I'd like to begin today with a simple question.
What if your body has been preparing for something that isn't happening right now?
Maybe your shoulders have been waiting.
Your jaw has been waiting.
Your stomach.
You're breathing.
Even your thoughts.
Waiting for the next email.
The next problem.
The next disappointment.
The next thing that asks something of you.
And after enough days or months.
Or years our bodies can forget the difference between preparing.
And simply being alive.
So today,
We're not going to force relaxation.
We're simply going to become curious.
Where have you been bracing without even realizing it?
Let's take one slow,
Easy breath.
And noticing where your body contacts the surface below you.
Where it's already being supported.
And allow yourself to arrive here with me.
Without rushing anything.
I invite you to imagine for a moment that you've been carrying a heavy backpack all day.
At first,
You're very aware of its weight.
But after enough hours,
Your body adapts.
The straps dig into your shoulders.
Your posture changes.
Your muscles work harder.
Eventually,
You hardly notice you're carrying it.
Not because it's light.
Because you've become used to the effort.
Bracing can feel like that.
It becomes so familiar that it starts to feel like who we are.
Let's gently explore as we get into our body.
Bring your attention to your forehead.
Not trying to smooth or relax it.
Simply noticing.
Is there effort there?
Even 1%.
If there is simply whisper inwardly.
You don't have to work quite so hard.
Now your eyes.
Have they been scanning?
Watching.
Trying to stay ahead.
See if it would feel okay for them to soften.
As though you're looking at someone you love.
Notice your jaw.
Many of us carry entire conversations there.
Things we wanted to say but didn't.
Things we wish had gone differently.
Things we're still preparing to defend.
If your teeth are touching.
Perhaps allow the tiniest space between them.
Nothing dramatic.
Just enough to remind your body there isn't a battle happening here.
Bring your awareness to your throat.
How often has it swallowed words?
Held back tears.
Carried responsibility.
You don't have to release anything.
Simply let your throat know it doesn't have to hold everything alone.
Notice your shoulders.
Have they quietly climb toward your ears.
See if gravity can do 1% more of the work.
You don't have to pull them down.
Simply stop holding them up.
Your hands.
Have they been gripping today?
Even if only invisibly,
Perhaps let your fingers soften.
As though they no longer need to hold so tightly.
Now your belly.
This is a place where many nervous systems quietly prepare.
Holding,
Protecting.
Anticipating.
See if your next breath could gently reach this space.
Not changing it.
Just reminding it.
That breathing is still possible here.
Notice your hips.
Your legs.
Your feet.
Places that have carried you through so many days.
Thank them.
They've done enough for now.
You may notice that some places haven't softened.
That's okay.
Bracing isn't stubbornness.
It's wisdom that hasn't yet learned the danger has passed.
Your body isn't refusing.
It's protecting.
And protection deserves compassion,
Not criticism.
Take another slow breath.
And imagine that every exhale sends your body the same quiet message.
Not forever.
Not always.
Just now.
Just here.
You don't have to prepare.
You don't have to anticipate.
You don't have to stay one step ahead.
You can simply be.
As we begin to close,
Place one hand wherever your body would most appreciate it.
Your heart.
Your belly your arms.
And offer yourself these words.
Thank you.
For trying so hard to protect me.
You don't have to carry the whole world today.
You don't have to prepare for every possibility.
For this moment,
We are safe enough.
Let's take one slow breath together.
And before you return to your day.
Notice whether there is one place in your body even the smallest place.
That feels a little less guarded than it did when we began.
If there is carry that feeling with you not as proof that you fixed yourself.
But as a reminder.
Your body already knows how to soften.
Sometimes it simply needs permission.
Thank you for practicing with me today.
Until next time,
May you find moments where you discover that you no longer need to brace for a life that isn't happening.
As you return to your day,
Remember as always,
You are loved.
You are whole.
You are enough.
