When we exist in our bodies consciously and nourish ourselves mindfully, we are accessing a way of being that is present with, informed by, and compassionate toward our body.

The body is always offering helpful messages in the form of sensations, from the basic (I’m thirsty!) to more complex intuitions (I’m in danger and need to get out of here!)… but we often miss or ignore these messages.

The practices below offer little ways to connect with the sensations of your body by noticing what’s happening in the body and then acknowledging or acting on what you’re noticing. With practice, we can developed a more connected, caring partnership with the body.

Notice & Respond

Practice catching and interpreting the message, and then responding to it. Notice and respond when you sense…

• the need to use the restroom

• the impulse to to change positions/posture

• the wish to move your body, restlessness

• the need to remove yourself from a situation

• the arrival of tears or another emotional expression

• the urge to rest or take a break

Mindfulness of Eating & Drinking

• Consciously tune in to the subtle nuances in the sensations of hunger and thirst… a little hungry, very hungry, satisfied, full enough, too full… 

• Pay attention to enjoyment and not enjoying

• Tune in to how different foods and drinks have the body feel. Is there comfort, discomfort, energy, lethargy?

Mindfulness of the Body’s Messages

The body holds emotions. When you feel a strong emotion, see if you can locate its sensations in the body. 

When you're feeling at ease, notice what ease feels like in your body.

Tune in before making a decision. Feel what happens in your body if you try on “YES.” Feel what happens in your body if you try on “NO.”