“Connecting With Your Body” with Penny DeCou, LCSW.
If you have experienced cancer, your body may not feel like a safe place to be, whether you recognize this consciously or not.
A pattern of not connecting with or recognizing your physical state may have been adopted to keep you safe by avoiding any discomfort or pain.
The body has immense inner wisdom that can gradually be reconnected to, with the help of healing practices such as meditation.
This somatic meditation is designed to help you safely begin to feel the sensations and messages of your body.
Take it slowly when first using this practice, do only what feels safe, and seek out the support of a loved one or trusted professional if needed.
To begin I invite you to make yourself comfortable.
Find a quiet place to sit or lie down.
Take a few deep breaths and allow yourself to settle into the present moment.
There is no rush to relax completely just yet.
Allow this process to happen as you are ready.
Have patience for the process and acceptance of your current state of being for now.
You'll get to the relaxed state you desire when you are ready.
It is important to offer patience, trust and safety throughout this process.
Now, gradually move you attention to your breath.
Focus on the sensations of your breath moving in and out of your body.
You may follow the path the air takes in through our nose, down the back of your throat into your lungs and out in reverse.
Allow yourself to gradually sink into the rhythm of your breath, and this will allow you to let go of any other focus or thoughts.
Now I invite you to start to become aware of your body, by noticing where your attention is drawn first.
What are you noticing now?
What are the sensations you are aware of first?
There is no right or wrong answer, this is simply a practice of building awareness of your body safely.
Let your attention linger here for a moment noticing all you can. Is there a feeling, a color or a texture in the place where your attention is drawn?
Is there a message that this sensation wants you too now?
You can ask and allow any information to rise to the surface in an organic way for you.
No need to try hard or force the experience.
Your body has so much wisdom when you slow down and turn your attention inward.
As you continue to focus on your body try to keep a sense of openness and acceptance.
Remember that it is ok to have tension or discomfort in your body and that it is a natural part of the healing process.
Now begin to let your awareness wander through each part of your body noticing each area of your body that feels good or there is simply a lack of discomfort.
As you do this try to keep a non-judgmental and curious attitude. Where do you sense a good feeling in your body now?
Be with this positive sensation.
Be with the lack of discomfort no matter how big or small the area.
Recognize that you are safe here.
Your mind would not be able to focus in this way if you weren't.
As you continue to focus on your body and the sensations you notice, imagine a warm healing light flowing through your body with the rhythm of your breath.
Allow this light to nourish and heal any areas of tension or discomfort.
This light, with the wisdom of your body, knows exactly what you need and where to offer healing.
If you become aware of an area of tension or discomfort, take a deep breath and allow yourself to soften and release any tension in that area.
You can also visualize the warm healing light flowing through this area of your body.
Take a deep breath and allow yourself to acknowledge any pain or discomfort and cultivate a sense of compassion and self-love.
Imagine this warm soothing light surrounding you, providing you with comfort and support.
Allow yourself to sink into this feeling of comfort.
Spend a moment longer with the soothing comfort of the light’s energy.
Your attention and your breath are here to support your body in any way you need.
Let your body guide you and tell you what it needs.
Take another long slow breath in and let it all go.
Once more, a long slow breath in and out fully.
Take your time, there is not rush.
When you feel ready slowly open your eyes and take as you need to reintegrate into a full awareness.
Notice any changes in your body and mind.
Give yourself some gratitude for taking this time to care for yourself.
Remember that healing and connecting to your body takes time and patience and it is important to be kind and gentle to yourself.