When a new client comes in for an appointment at the end I always say "Your homework assignment is to
just notice your body throughout the day. Focus on different parts of your body and how each part feels,
by itself and in relation to other parts. You don't have to do anything, just notice. Just a few seconds from
time to time".
This simple practice can increase our bodies awareness and keep us from disconnecting from our bodies
and falling into patterns of discomfort.
Often times I add to this. "If you want to take this further pick a part of the body and ask it where it wants
to go. Move that part in different directions and see where it's most comfortable. Move in the direction
that's most comfortable and hold that for 10-60 seconds. Then move back and forth again and see what
has changed".
More times than not the area you moved will feel a little freer and more open. Basically this follows the
principals of what I do in the office. The important thing is to stay within your comfort. Don't move any
farther than you are comfortable with. Just notice which direction gives the most comfort and go there for
a few seconds. It doesn't matter if one direction feels only slightly better.
Example for neck discomfort
Try right/left turning of the head. Turn your head slowly to the left. If it starts to feel tight or uncomfortable,
stop. You have found the edge of where comfort turns to discomfort. Don't move beyond comfort. Now
turn slowly to right. Notice each to see which feels best. Go back and forth a few times if needed. Now turn
your head in the direction most comfortable and hang out there for 10-60 seconds. Now move right and
left again and see what has changed.
That's all there is to it. You can also try other neck movements, side bending (ear moves towards
shoulder) and nodding (nose points up and down).
If you can't notice a preference for one direction or the other then just move gently back and forth staying
within comfort. By playing with the edges of where comfort is you increase awareness and allow that zone
of comfort to expand.
This simple practice could be done with one body part whenever you have a chance or you can combine
several into a self-care session. The important thing is to get into the habit of periodically checking in with
your body, asking what it wants and then giving it. This habit will increase your body's awareness of itself
and help keep you from falling into patterns of discomfort. As you do this more it will become second
nature.
Approach this with a sense of curiosity of what is rather than a judgement of pain.
Approach with the
attitude "Where does my body want to go right now?"
You can think of this as learning to Go With The Flow of what your body is doing.
If you would like help with this practice just ask at your next session. I can give you tips on how to easily
make this a part of your life.
"Flow with whatever is happening and let your mind be free. Stay centered by accepting whatever
you are doing. This is the ultimate."
- Chuang Tzu
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Ric Chamberlin
Registered Practitioner of Ortho-Bionomy®
Licensed Massage Therapist
402 850 0752
info@omahahealingconnection.com
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