"My experience is what I agree to attend to. Only those items I notice shape my mind." ~ William James
In my previous blog posts, we unraveled the profound simplicity of something often overlooked—our breath. I invited you to pause and reflect on how this quiet, life-sustaining rhythm threads through every moment of our lives, a constant companion in the background. Together, we explored how the breath not only keeps us alive but also serves as a compass, gently guiding us back when we are lost in distraction, overwhelmed, or swept up in the current of our daily routines.
Today, I’d like to invite you to explore another powerful resource for grounding yourself in the present moment—your body’s sensations. Just as the breath can anchor us to now, the body offers its own symphony of signals and sensations, waiting for us to tune in. Whether it’s the reassuring pressure of the earth beneath your feet as you stand in line, the tension in your jaw when discomfort arises, the soft flutter of life if you are carrying a child, or the cool caress of air on your skin—each of these moments invites us into a deeper connection with ourselves. The body, like the breath, becomes a gateway to mindfulness, offering a personal, practical, and profound way to return to the present.
In today’s post, I share an audio recording of a guided Body Scan Meditation, as well as a video regarding the challenges and opportunities the Body Scan presents, such as:
Falling Asleep
A Moment of Mindfulness, Again and Again
The Body Scan and Relaxation
The Breath and the Body Scan
On Painful or Unpleasant Sensations During the Body Scan
The Beauty of the Itch
This practice invites you to gently, yet intentionally, direct your awareness throughout the body—from the crown of your head to the tips of your toes. With each moment of mindful attention, you cultivate a deeper relationship with your body, observing its sensations with care and curiosity.
For those familiar with Yoga Nidra or Vipassana, this practice may feel like a homecoming, as it shares similar roots in cultivating awareness and presence. The rewards, too, are equally transformative. Through this meditation, you may discover a renewed sense of appreciation for your body, learning to inhabit it with greater presence, compassion, and wonder.
May you find happiness, peace and relaxation in the practice and in life.
~ Ashley
🩷 THIS ITEM IS FREE, AS MOST OF MY OFFERINGS ARE 🩷
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