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Yep, you read it right. Notice any resistance that may have arisen inside of your body just from reading the title. Or maybe you felt a touch of excitement. Mmmmm.
How familiar are you with your own magnificent body?
Touch is such an important part of being human - we literally need it to survive. It can evoke, move, and heal so much of the emotional energy pent up in the body. There's work to be done to build a safe, nourishing relationship with the body. And it doesn't come from thinking about it.
I often get asked about some of the most important practices for getting into the body, this is definitely in the top 5.
Now before you start, create a space for yourself where every part of you is welcome. That means stepping into a space of curiosity, and acceptance. It might mean changing your normal approach about being with yourself. And that’s the whole point right?
Instead of judging yourself about the judgements that enter into your head-space while reading the practices. Or criticizing yourself while you're doing them. Give yourself all space, and I mean alllllll kinds of gentle space, and come back to your body, breath, and sensations.
Instead of going down the endless rabbit hole of mind distractions, thoughts, or the list of this week’s to-do’s. Body. Breath. Sensations.
Instead of over-analyzing or criticizing what you may or may not feel while doing the practice. Body. Breath. Sensations. Take a breath. Yes, it takes practice. It might not happen right away. But I cannot tell you how beautiful the spaciousness is that you feel once you can create it for yourself. You need to feel it for yourself.
So in this practice welcome your inner judge, welcome the distracted you, the compassionate you, the silly you, the emotional you, the joyful you, the giggly you, the insecure you, the loving you, the over-analyzing you, the playful you, the angry you, the impatient you. All of you. Remind yourself that every single part is welcome at the sacred table of you. Of your body.
Whenever any part shows up, imagine giving that part of you the space she needs to BE there. Welcome her, you can even visualize hugging her if you want, and then.... Come back to sensations. Body, breath, sensations. That’s it. Now if you want a little more support with this, check out my Free Easing into Self-Love Meditation here. Or you can always book a personal 1-1 session with me to dive deeply into this - sometimes we all need a bit of support.
Touch Yourself - A Tactile Exploration
It’s as simple as it sounds, and the effects go deep. Soooo deep. Tactile Exploration is something I recommend to every client of mine, anyone in burn out, anyone who wants to connect deeper into the body. It all starts with touch. It’s your body. Your temple. It’s time to get to know and feel the entire physical part of you. Set your timer and take this time to touch every part of your body. The entire surface area of you. As if you were lathering yourself with body lotion. From the tips of your toes (between them too), to the top of your head. Everything in between.
It can be as systematic in approach as you wish, or it may change every time you practice it.
It can be done totally naked so you actually touch your skin (this is way more fun and allows you full access to the kinesthetic experience), but if it doesn’t feel quite right – do it clothes on for the first time.
It can be in the shower to make it easier, giving yourself a massage, or actually putting on body lotion.
You can try with lighter, softer touch or earthier, deeper touch.
The approach doesn't matter, find a way that works for you. You are giving yourself a kinesthetic registration of the literal physical boundary of this body.
This is a ritual to be done alone, not with a partner.
When you’re done, take 5 minutes to lay down and feel the sensations throughout the body. Then journal your experience. That’s it. Enjoy your moments - the best way to reap the benefits is to make this a habit. Try it for a month at least, then I'm sure you won't want to stop.
See you soon.
One love,
Juel
Juel helps women and non-binary queens re-connect with their inner source of power to create authentic and passionate lives. Creating transformational journeys back to essence.