As I work with my clients and workshop participants in mind-body exercises I hear, “How can I trust what I am thinking?” Or, “How can I trust what I am feeling?” The truth is, you have an inner guidance system that you can trust.
When you’re shattered by loss, you often feel broken. The only feelings you know are anger, sadness, despair, confusion, and fear.
Fear that you will never feel happy again. Fear that life will always be heavy like it is now. Fear that nothing you think, do, or say is okay.
Your Inner Guidance System.
There is light. Light to guide you out of your darkness. And, believe it or not, that light you need is within you.
Your body is energy; even though right now it feels like you’re drained dry.
Let’s explore your inner “yes” and “no” system.
Do this exercise:
- Make a fist and punch.
- Imagine you’re punching who or whatever you wish.
- Where do you feel tightness, pain, or contraction?
- Now breathe.
- In through your nose - feeling the temperature of the air.
- Now out through your nose - feeling the temperature of the air.
- Breathe a second time.
- Focus on the temperature at your nostrils. And PAUSE after you exhale and before you take your next in-breath.
- Feel your body. Is there a moment of rest, relaxation?
Note: You can’t get this wrong. It is a practice. My mother used to say, “Practice makes perfect”. I hated it when she said that. But it is true.
- So once again, exhale.
- PAUSE and feel the momentary stillness.
- Then breathe in again through your nose noticing the temperature.
- Now PAUSE, feel the stillness and then exhale.
- Breathe a second time.
- Focus on the temperature at your nostrils. And PAUSE after you exhale and before you take your next in-breath.
- Feel your body. Is there a moment of rest, relaxation?
- Finally, recall someone you love who is alive, well, and walking the earth. It may be a dear friend or a beloved pet. Someone who’s safe. Or, instead of a person, think of a safe place. Nothing or no one that needs “fixing”.
- What are you feeling in your body?
Compare the difference between how you felt in #1 and how you felt in #5.
That’s your inner “yes” and “no” guide.
When we ask a yes or no question, our body responds with an inner “yes” as ease and an inner “no” as contraction. You can trust your body to tell the truth. It acts as your inner guide.
After trying this exercise, let me know what you learned. Also, if you’d like an audio version of this process, send an email. I’ll make sure you get it.
If you found this exercise helpful, you might also like A Powerful Prayer for Shifting Grief.
Love all around, above, below, to the left and to the right, before you and behind you,
Georgena
