Top to Toe Check In
Be compassionate towards your body – it is the vehicle you move around in, the vessel that you are protecting by staying at home and the house that occupies your mind and soul.
These bodies are currently absorbing the universal energy which could be causing tension that is not only of your own making. This body has slowed down substantially although our minds are working overtime to cope with the new normal and realities we are facing. This body has a language less familiar than that of the mind but it is essential that we take notice when the body talks.
Bessel van der Kolk writes in his book, The Body Keeps the Score that “One of the clearest lessons from contemporary neuroscience is that our sense of ourselves is anchored in a vital connection with our bodies. We do not truly know ourselves unless we can feel and interpret our physical sensations; we need to register and act on these sensations to navigate safely through life.”
How to check in with our bodies to find out how they are doing and coping:
To begin find a comfortable spot to sit or lie down. Have a pen and paper for notes. You can play soft music in the background or find a space for silent solitude. Close your eyes. Take 3 deep breaths.
Now start with your feet and move right through to the top of your head, sectioning your body into parts. Compassionately check in with each individual section repeating the following: “Thank you for my _______ and how it has been there for me from the day that I was born. How are you doing at the moment?”
When you have covered your entire body, take a moment to make notes of the places and how you felt. Notice the feelings – comfortable and uncomfortable. Familiarise them to check in every now and again. Send extra love and attention to the uncomfortable areas and be thankful for those areas that have been strong and supportive. I want to motivate you to do this exercise at least once a week or even more during lockdown to keep checking in with any changes.
To end off the session, thank your body for sticking with your mind and soul and promise to look after it as best as you currently can. This can be used as a guide line: “Thank you for my body. I know that it is designed in a divine manner and it is to carry my spirit through this world. I am grateful and know that we can make it through together.”
If you need to reach out or need someone to speak to you are welcome to contact me at [email protected]
Top tips to look after your body:
- Light Exercise – We might be limited but we can get creative – Yoga, dance, run on the spot and look out for the many online options!
- Drink water.
- Stretch – Decreased movement could increase tension – stretching daily can help release this. Even a great big stretch in the morning as you wake up will do wonders!
- Get some fresh air and sun – Even if that means sitting at an open window.
- Pamper yourself – Take this time to establish routines of self-care! I am talking about mani-pedi pamper not indulge in chocolate cake pamper. But remember balance is key!
By Johanica Havenga
Image by Life of Pix from Pexels
