Exploration: Speaking From the Body
This exercise can be done alone at first, then when you are with others.
Close your eyes. Feel a part of your body and put your awareness there, noticing the subtle sensations and how they shift around. Keep your attention there for half a minute or so.
Now open your eyes and keep your attention there again for half a minute or so.
Now talk to yourself, while maintaining a light awareness of that part of the body. You could speak about your experience doing the exercise, or describe your day so far, or a challenge that you’re facing.
If you find it difficult, don’t worry – most of us do. But notice what happens – does it slow you down, put you more in touch with how you are actually feeling, with the words you are saying? It might interfere with your ability to conceptualize – and to a large extent, that is the idea…! Conceptualization has its place, but it’s also good to become familiar with a different, more grounded way of connecting our words to the world.
When you’ve had a chance to try it out alone, try it occasionally when speaking with others, or try being in touch with different body parts.
Next: Awareness Within a Group