Breathe and Be in Your Body

 

As we listen to Paul’s wisdom about a body connecting and cooperating, one step is to listen to our own flesh, heart, mind, words, and life.  A few weeks ago, I did a body scan in worship.  Today, I invite you to do this prayer practice again.  This is taken from the website mindful.org

 

1.     Closing your eyes can be helpful to allow you to focus or soften your gaze.

2.     Bring awareness to the body breathing in and out, noticing the points where you posterior and back and legs make contact with the seat, how your feet touch the ground. Throughout this practice, allow as much time as you need or want to experience and investigate each area of the body.

3.     When you’re ready (no rush), intentionally breathe in, and move your attention to your mind.  What is whirling, whipping, or whooshing around in there right now?  What thoughts keep coming back looking for more attention?  Who are some of the people who rest or reside in your mind…some of whom you never invited!  Some might be squatting in your mind, not paying rent or offering anything meaningful.  Name aloud the thoughts, questions, people, celebrations and concerns so your ears can hear your thoughts.

4.     Breathe in and out ~ move to your five senses ~ what do you taste on the tip of your tongue?  Your last sip of coffee/tea/water.  What do you hear?  The noise of the ceiling fan or bird or lawn equipment.  What do you feel on your skin?  Is there any stress or strain in your jaw or shoulders or gut? 

5.    I encourage you to be curious and open to what you are noticing, investigating the sensations as fully as possible, and then intentionally releasing the focus of attention before shifting to the next area to explore.

6.     Each time your attention wanders, simply notice that this is happening, then gently and kindly (please try not to force anything) direct your attention back to exploring sensations in the body. Rinse and repeat until you’ve finished your entire body exploration.

7.     At the end of this exploration of bodily sensations, spend a few moments to expand your attention to feeling your entire body breathing freely.

8.     Open your eyes if they have been closed. 

 

I encourage you to close by saying the Lord’s Prayer or 23^rd Psalm or the Prayer of St. Francis or some meaningful words that connect you to the wider group of bodies that are inhabiting this planet right now.  Amen.