I had a moment early this morning, where I could sense myself about to board the express bus to mental (and possibly emotional, because, in my experience, they feed off each other) chaos. I caught myself in time to decide I really needed to breathe. So, I tried this practice I’d heard of in a recent audiobook (full disclosure, I’m going to need to listen to that section of the audiobook again and honestly, likely the whole thing. With reading, I’m moving at my own space, with audiobooks, sometimes things go by too quickly).
The practice involves breathing in and mentally focusing on different parts of the body, starting from the top and working one’s way down. Again, I’m thinking I didn’t do it exactly as it was mentioned in the practice (hence planning on re-listening). But my approach worked for me.
What I did was, on the in breath, I focused on my brain/pictured where it was in my body, and on my out breath, I silently said, “I love you, brain.” Then, I did the same process continuing to my eyes, nose, teeth, gums, tongue, mouth, all the way down to my feet. On the way there, I connected to the parts of my inner landscape, committing to the breathing in and out pattern, ending with the silent thought accompanying the out breath. By the time I was finished, I felt calmer, more present and in my body. From this place, I was able to make a clearer decision on how I wanted to proceed.
I’m going to commit to this, at the very least, as a morning practice before getting out of bed. I also realize I’d like to spend some time looking at some anatomy of the body pics or get a poster as I’m not 100% certain on visualizing where certain organs on the inside are actually located😅 (Then this got me wondering if there were any beginner anatomy of the body puzzles including an inside view that would be ideal for kids, that also included a few words on what its function is? Again, for children-- as young as age 6, for example. I'd like to find one for my nieces and nephews.)
Sharing the practice in case it’s helpful.
PS-- the audiobook practice was also a way to take time to acknowledge and appreciate one's body and all the work different parts are always doing that we take for granted until something becomes unbalanced.