Befriending…I don’t use the term ‘self-love’ on purpose…because in many cases the popular term ‘self-love’ might turn out to be another thing on the personal to-do-list and it might set you up for failure and that is not what it is or should be about. The ultimate intention is that you can stay embodied and friendly towards yourself if and when anxiety comes up.
Now, how can you befriend and stay embodied? In my opinion it is best to start training this exercise, when there is no stress going on yet. And then, when stress does come up, this exercise is part of your system, so it will pop up and you can do it easily.
Following the steps.
- Sit quietly, with a straight back.
- Follow your breath, don’t change anything about it. Follow your breath, gently and with curiosity.
- Stay with your breath, but now also bring a part of your awareness to your feet. Feel your feet on the ground, while breathing steadily and softly. Now imagine you are picking something up with your toes. Make this movement about 3 times and do it very slowly.
- Stay with your breath, stay with your feet on the ground, bring part of your awareness to your hands now. Gently feel your hands, your fingers, the skin, the contours.
- Now stay with your breath, feet, hands and now also bring part of your awareness to your pelvis and legs. Feel your lower body’s strenght and support.
- Whilst staying connected to your breath, feet, hands, pelvis and legs, look around you. Feel your eyes and let your head and neck move very slowly. Connect with your surroundings. Slowly, ever so slowly. And feel. And be…
Feel free to let me now how your are doing with this exercise.
