Cultivating Vitality With Michelle: Body-Connection For Wellness, Part 2

By MICHELLE HARKEY-WILDE
Los Alamos

In Part 1, last week, we reviewed the benefits of being connected in mind and body.

This week I’m going to give an exercise to you which will increase your connection with your body. It is so simple you may feel inclined to skip over it, but the simple things are sometimes the most profound.

There are ways to connect safely and lovingly with all aspects of ourselves, but any particular way may not work for a given individual. So, here’s an experiment. Please feel free to adapt it to your needs.

Get a small item with an interesting texture. I happen to like rocks about the size of a quarter for this exercise. The exercise works best when you have about 20 minutes to relax and enjoy the experience.

You will likely find your mind wandering to some other line of thought at some point. Simply return your thoughts to the exercise. Additionally, it increases the effectiveness when you verbally narrate what you are experiencing, for instance, “I am noticing in the black spot there are small golden flecks that twinkle in the light. I’m noticing there is a rough spot right here.”

  1. Place the item in the palm of your hand and simply examine it. Look at the colors, the shape, the way the light hits it. Examine the weight and the temperature of the item. Really examine it visually for 3 minutes.
  1. Next, touch the item. Touch it with your fingers, your arm, your face, maybe even your tongue (if that’s safe). Notice the texture. Feel the edges, the curves. Examine the item through touch for 3 minutes.
  1. Then listen to the sound the item can make. It may have a button or something on it which makes noise. There may also be a noise when it is dropped or rubbed again various other items. Repeat the auditory examination of the object for 3 minutes.
  1. Next, manipulate the item if you can. Perhaps it can be changed by applying pressure to it. Maybe getting it wet does something interesting to it. Experiment with the item for another 3 minutes.
  1. Now that you’re quite familiar with the item, return to simply holding it in your palm. Let yourself sit quietly with the object for the next 8-10 minutes and concentrate on one aspect of the object. Each time your attention wanders away from your item, gently bring it back by rubbing the item. Notice how your body reacts to simply sitting and breathing. You may feel a loosening or a tightening of your muscles. You may feel discomfort or ease in a spot. Try to stay with these sensations and notice if they change with your attention.
  1. When you are finished, journal your experience.

Join me again next week as we continue our journey to creating a more vital and vibrant self.

Michelle Harkey-Wilde is a Body-Connection Coach, licensed mental health counselor, massage therapist and integrative wellness specialist. This column is for educational purposes only and does not create a client-practitioner relationship. You are responsible to exercise caution in implementing any ideas contained herein and accept responsibility for your actions. Consult with your physical and mental health practitioners before implementing any new practice.

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