Seeking Shelter from Sylvia Heed on Vimeo.

Changing circumstances which force a change in plans can be seen in different ways. Do we resist reality? Or do we see changes as growth opportunities?

An unexpected rainstorm allowed me to examine my own view of change. Shades of Byron Katie! I chose to love what is!

Unvarnished Morning from Sylvia Heed on Vimeo.

We don’t pay attention to our bodies very often. We usually notice when they feel really, really good. Like after an exhilarating workout, when making love or after a massage. But pain also forces us to pay attention, to notice. The body can’t send a SMS or email or even make a phone call to tell you that something is wrong. Pain is an effective way to get your attention.

But those times in between… How often do you pay attention?

LIke right now. Right here. This moment. Don’t change anything about how you’re sitting, or what you’re doing. Just stop and pay attention to the physical relationship between your body and whatever you are sitting on. You are probably sitting in front of your computer. Can you be aware of your backside resting in the chair or on the sofa? Close your eyes and see if you can really FEEL your body being supported by whatever you’re sitting on. The muscles don’t have to work a lot to allow you to sit as you’re doing. Do you sense any tension? If you do, see if you can release that tension by taking a deep breath, then exhaling.

Now move your attention to your feet. Whether or not you have shoes on, something is supporting your feet. Is it the floor? A hassock? Your dog? Your feet are being supported and don’t need to “do” anything at all. Close your eyes, again, and focus your attention on your feet. Really feel what is supporting them. Maybe one foot is supporting the other. That’s cool. But what’s supporting the supporting foot? If you sense any tension in your lower legs and feet try to release that. Just let it go. Release. Breathe.

Now shift your attention all the way up to your jaws. More specifically to yourtempomandibular joints. Those are the hinge joints in front of your ears that attach your lower jaw to the rest of your head. Any tension there? Are you clenching your jaw? Biting your teeth together? Or not? Try to let your lower jaw be loose, not hanging down to your chest but with a little space between upper and lower teeth. Try to allow your tongue to relax.

Bring your attention now to your shoulders. Are they tensing up towards your ears? Try to maximize the distance between your ear lobes and your shoulders. Breathe. Release. Let go.

We’ll repeat that from the top down. Pay attention to your jaws, your shoulders, your buttocks, your feet. Repeat: Jaws, Shoulders, Buttocks, Feet. Jaws, Shoulders, Buttocks, Feet. Repeat slowly, feeling and being aware of each body part in its turn. Repeat as many times as feels good.

Let me know what you think. And what you feel.