Meditation for Stress

Welcome. Stress is real. And we all have various degrees of stress throughout our day at any moment and throughout our lives. And so in this practice, we're going to explore recognizing sensations of stress in the body. And as we recognize sensations of stress in the body, notice where we can soften and release any tension. And then rather than getting rid of the stress or trying to change or fix it, the invitation will be to let it be the way it is.

Just by recognizing the sensation of stress in the body, it can dial it right down. So find your way into a comfy seat. You might bring support underneath you. And allow for an inhale lengthen out for your spine. And as you exhale, you might roll and soften your shoulders back and down.

Relaxing through the face, releasing the jaw. I know this is easier said than done, so we're here to practice together as you ease into your seat. Let's begin to notice the quality of the bra. As you arrive in your seat, coming home to yourself, becoming aware of your inner landscape. Where of thoughts rolling around the mind, sensations, emotions, feelings.

Notice what you choose to do with your hands and your gaze. Maintaining this quality of awareness through the spine as you soften and relax any tension, any gripping. And so as we begin, consider what about a minor stressor? In your life right now. It might be an unanswered email or phone call, something super minor that might cause some stress or unease, anxiety.

And as you feel into your body now, become aware of any sensations, perhaps associated with that stress. My feel a slight constriction of the diaphragm or sensation somewhere in the chest. Around the heart, the belly. As you recognize the sensations in the body, We'll allow for an inhale. Nice. We'll exhale softening.

Again, rather than getting rid of it or changing it. Allowing the sensation, allowing the stressor to be the way it is. And notice the quality of the breath. Continuing the soft in the face. The jaw, finding some ease in the neck and shoulders.

And just this act of recognizing can help dial it down a bit. We're increasing our capacity to be with water rises. As we soften and relax any tension. Might stay with this stressor. Perhaps there's a new one that arises.

And as it feels safe for your nervous system, allow yourself to experiment. Right? Recognizing observing tracking the sensation of stress in the body. And allowing it to be the way it is notice the quality of the breath. Are you so often you might allow for a deliberate sigh and exhale? Softening any tension through the shoulders, the chest, the belly.

For our last minute here, you might stay with this technique. Of recognizing the sensations of stress in the body and letting it be the way it is. Mike gradually relax the effort of your attention as you allow the breath to gently deepen. Generous exhales. Feeling the support beneath you, allow for an inhale, and exhale.

Joining the hands together, bowing the head inward towards the heart. Namaste. Thank you.