The exercise for this month is a study in the wonderful world of paradox.  We will begin to experiment with the places in which it actually benefits us to act against our instincts.

Now, as a general sort of thing, what I advocate here at BodiesSpeak is to learn how to tune into our instincts as they are presented by our bodies as felt sensations.  So, if that basic premise were a one way street, this exercise might make you think you were going the wrong way and steering straight for a head-on collision.

Trust me though, it’s the way to go.

Find a quiet spot where you won’t be interrupted, sit comfortably, close your eyes and bring your attention to your body. Spend a few moments tuning into what each part of your body feels like, starting with your feet and working your way up to the top of your head.

When you feel like all the parts of you are here, begin to notice what calls for your attention by being achy, painful, stiff or congested. Just become aware of exactly what that sensation is like without any judgement or resistance. Or at least as little judgement and resistance as you can muster.

Is the feeling tight or is it more heavy? Sharp or dull? It starts and ends where? Does it have a particular color or colors? Be as specific as you can be.

When you feel like you have gotten to know what this unwelcome part of yourself is like pretty well, I want you to turn around and drive the wrong way. I want you to encourage that sensation to spread out and take up even more space!

Imagine spreading it out or rolling out it’s edges WAY beyond where they are now. Allow this bugger to spread out and have some real room. You could even imagine giving it the room to spread out beyond the confines of your body.

Then notice what happens.

“Oh my gosh, it just relaxed.” “It’s like someone just popped it with a pin, it deflated.” A couple of typical reactions I’ve heard from clients at this point in the process.

It’s our resistance to pain and discomfort that accounts for the biggest part of our actual pain and discomfort.

So simple yet so radical a concept, this allowing.

I could go on and on about the whys and the hows of this particular practice, but I will save it for another time and place.

I leave you to enjoy a more comfortable and peaceful you.

Your friend, Kim