Body Wars to Body Scans

When it comes to the relationship between your mind and body, it is interesting to notice if it is more comparable to a dictatorship or democracy.  It might be a peculiar way to consider this relationship but I remember when I had no feedback loops in place from my body to my mind.  My mind was a strong dictator constantly telling my body and my will how to do more, be better and get in line. 
I have since realized that this is not a fun or natural way for my mind or my body to live. It takes a lot of energy to be in control, and within any controlling relationship, anger builds on both sides. We’ve seen all around the world and through time that when people don’t feel heard, eventually they revolt, eventually systems break down, eventually wars erupt. This same pattern happens in the body too. 
 
Do you have a war brewing within? 
If so its important to realize that break down, injury, disease – the affects of war between the body and mind don’t happen overnight.  Usually the body will whisper first; maybe you’ll feel a little foggier than usual, or you start to move differently to avoid discomfort. Eventually that whisper becomes louder; you might feel like you should check in with your doctor or stop activities. And by the time your body is screaming and you are out of work or in pain, you might finally realize that you have no choice but to listen.  Or as the eternal dictator, you might interpret this progression as another way your body has let you down.  
 
The most intimate relationship we will ever have in our lives is that between our own mind and our body. All other relationships will ultimately be a reflection of this one. So what kinds of relationships do you want in your life?  And how can you start building them within? 
 
I want to introduce you to body scanning.  You could consider it a peace convention. The first few meetings might be rough but ultimately can lead to understanding, negotiation and peace.  It’s a practice that empowers you hear your body’s whispers and wisdom. In my life, body scan practices have helped me let go of anger and disconnection I had within myself.  It has helped me to release chronic tension, to become more calm, self-aware and trusting of my body. 
 
Body scan meditations can be tracked back thousands of years when we see it as a component of Yoga Nidra. Body scans were reawakened in the late 70’s with Jon Kabit-Zinn’s Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) techniques which continues to grow in popularity today.  Body Scanning is a process that will help you develop a sense of embodiment and interoception – an ability to detect the movement of sensations in the body which may be interpreted as information, feedback or the language of the body.  
 
Body Scan: A simple practice of bringing mindfulness (awareness) to the body. 
 
What to expect:  Any combination of pleasant, neutral or unpleasant sensations including tingling, tightness, changes in temperature, aches and pains, sense of spaciousness or release. 
 
How to Body Scan: In a comfortable position, seated or lying down, turn your focus within and feel parts of your body systematically.  With soft gaze or closed eyes, maintain a sense of open curiosity without expectations or judgment of what you sense. Can be done either guided or self-guided.
 
Why Body Scan:  Studies have shown a regular practice of body scanning 20-45 minutes a day can increase mindfulness, self-compassion, general well-being and overall health, academic performance, resilience, neuroplasticity, productivity, and sense of satisfaction.  It also has been shown to decreases reactivity, stress, anxiety and depression.