BODY SCAN: This core mindfulness practice focuses your attention on the physical sensations throughout the body. Through the experience of placing, sustaining and releasing attention on your different body parts, you become better attuned to your body’s wisdom as well as come to know yourself better.
A simple way to work on connecting with the physical being is a body scan,
Along with the body scan, there are some additional ways to progress mindfulness in the body, as provided by the Buddhist text. Here are four simple steps to try:
1. Be aware of your body: While sitting, standing, walking, lying down, or any other position, stay attuned to how your posture changes throughout the day.
2. Stay present in activities engaging your body: When eating, drinking, chewing, waking up, talking, gardening, washing dishes, or completing any other tasks throughout the day, stay mindful and be aware of every tiny motion your body makes. Try moving in slow motion while completing a mundane task such as cleaning the toilet, showering, brushing your teeth and be aware of each movement.
3. Reflect on each body part: This goes along with the body scan where you become aware of each part of your body, part by part. The Buddhist text includes 31 parts of the body, with the 32nd added at the end, the brain. Arguably, the most important piece!
4. Incorporate the 4 elements: According to the Buddhist text, Earth, Water, Fire, and Wind are the four basic parts of the world. Relating this to the body, earth is the solidity of our body, such as the framework of our bones and muscles. Water is the fluid and movement of liquids in us such as blood and saliva. Fire is the heated part of us, which involves our temperature and digestion. Finally, wind includes the movement of oxygen in our lunges and motion inside of us. Applying this concept to life, it is essential to be in tune of the elements around us, so that your own emotions/thoughts do not rule your mind or life. Think about how you affect the world and how your body’s elements work together to create you.
Scientific research has discovered that the more we focus our attention to bodily sensations, the more we activate growth in the brain and specific neural firing patterns. Even just a few short moments of mindfulness each day can create incredible benefits. Choose one or two ideas that resonate with you and add them into your daily routine!
Debie Lee, E-RYT Yin & Power Vinyasa
MMTCP23
Certified Mindfulness Practitioner https://mindfulnesswithoutborders.org/pages/about-us
If you’re looking to increase your mindfulness and get more connected to your body, text me at (786)267-1203 or email: freespirityogis@outlook.com
ॐDebie Lee's🪷Healthy Living Mindfulness ॐ 