As the 2024 election fast approaches, anxiety and fear continue to escalate around us – and for many, within and between us. Many of you have expressed how you are affected by this waiting time. The stakes for many of us are very high – it matters a great deal what happens at a local and national level. While we are waiting, and as we move into whatever comes next, it is important to remember to care for ourselves and each other. With gratitude to Rev. Laura Solomon for her work on some of these materials, we offer a simple daily practice to help regulate our nervous systems and stay grounded in our faith and values.
November 3, 2024: Body Practice Breathing
OPTION 1 | Take a comfortable breath and bring your body into a position that feels comfortable or easy for you. Notice where there is tension or pain and where there are places of no sensation or places of ease. Name the emotions or sensations that are present for you. For example: “there is pain in my knee” or “there is a flutter of anxiety in my chest” or “there is tension in my jaw.” If it feels right, place one hand on your heart and one hand on your belly and take three intentional breaths. After these breaths, take a moment to notice what, if anything, has changed. Return to this practice as needed throughout the day.
AND/OR
OPTION 2 | Find a comfortable position for your body and take an easy breath. If it is comfortable and feels right for you, place on hand on your chest and take another breath. Ask yourself the question what do I need? Or what would feel just right? Maybe the answer is something practical: a glass of water or a snack. Maybe the answer is emotional or mental: hope or joy. Whatever the answer is, be sure to offer yourself the kindness of filling that need with intention and love. Return to this practice as needed throughout the day.
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