In order to benefit fully from body-wisdom, we must become aware of our bodies.

Stop, breathe, and relax

Here are some suggestions for experiencing body awareness; some of you have lost touch with this and others may want to refresh and stay in touch.

1. Breathe consciously and deeply. Forget the 'suck it in, chest out' formula, give your lungs a chance to feel the oxygen.

2.Stretch often, deeply, luxuriously.

Focus on how the muscles you are stretching, feel; not on how long it will take, what you have to do next, or your plans for the day. If these thoughts wonder in and out, just flow with the moment.

Focus on you, your body, at that moment.

Now my favortie suggestion:

3.Think like a dancer.

As you go about your daily activites, think of yourself as a dancer on stage. Think of each movement, as a graceful, balanced part of an intricate ballet.

Focus on where each part of your body is, how it is moving.

As you reach for something, be conscious not only of the goal but of the physical process of reaching for it and picking it up.

Be consciously IN the body.

4.Another favorite suggestion:

Get in the habit of including your body in your decision-making processes.

As you consider your choices, check in, see how your body is reacting.

Notice how your step lightens and your head lifts when you make a decision that feels good.

At another time feel your shoulders tensing, your jaw tightening, your stomach contracting. Perhaps there is a warning here to think about.

And a final suggestion:

Exercise regularly: it will help you to become body-aware.

Have a full body massage.