In our Sunday Introduction to Meditation Class at Yoga Bliss we explored one of Dr. Christopher Germer‘s “mindful self compassion” practices. We began creating a state of mindfulness by feeling the six points of posture in our bodies. Taking time at the beginning of a seated meditation period to adjust our position and build stability. We used Dr. Germer’s guidance to cultivate a soft, allowing, loving attitude toward our bodies: a mindful attitude.
He suggests we try his Soften, Allow and Love practice. He explains that when we soften around our physical discomforts we might avoid the tendency to tense up and reject our experience. Allowing refers to letting thoughts come and go without judging ourselves for their occurrence or content. Cultivating self love and compassion can encourage us to respond to difficult feelings with tenderness. I like the way he incorporates breathing, gestures and words or “mantras.” You put your hand on your heart and breathe . . . direct love to any part of your being in distress . . . silently say soften, allow or love, love, love . . . Most of us would be happy to do this for a fretting child or elder in our care. How willing are we to do this for ourselves?