Week two of my MBSR class. the 8 week series created by Jon Kabot-Zin. This revolutionary Mindful Based Stress Reduction program was created for the patients of University of Massachusetts Medical School to treat and investigate chronic pain. I am fortunate enough to have been introduced to it at Insight LA.
I simultaneously look forward to and dread the body scan which is part of our daily homework. As much of a mover as I have always been, and as deep a believer as I am in the mind/body connection, I could not understand why this emphasis on going through the body in guided meditation as the mandatory foundation for our meditation practice.
Today, I got it. I awoke with the dedication to be SUPER mindful during the morning rush. I figured if I was truly invested in the making of oatmeal and the filling of lunch boxes, we would all leave happier people. With this great an agenda, my heart could not HELP but get all clenched up, and my lower right back pain was in close company (though the back pain was helped along by a super fun night dancing in super silly high heels.) I dropped off a very sweet 4th grader to her school, and then felt really lost. I no longer had time for my own full yoga practice, and felt ready to seek escape from both the emotional and physical triggers I was experiencing. Images of thick, frothy lattes with a fellow wallower beckoned. A potentially healthier option of escape came up too, perhaps a long run with the dog, or some arduous weight workout. Then I could almost hear Beth, our teacher's voice, in the body scan recording she sent us. I knew the escape plan for today would be to go further IN and not AWAY from the pain.
I understood differently after doing the scan today how our muscles fire up and can't let go from the usual treatment we give them. I talk about our muscles of course in my classes, how the inhale ignites the movement, and the exhale allows for more length, but through this gentle and deep observation, slow and steady, the sore muscles released from their source itself, and my mind's sore thoughts did too.
The link to INSIGHT LA and their AUDIO options:
http://www.insightla.org/audio/
You will find a number of body scans to choose from, some longer, some shorter. Maybe practice a couple and see what you think?
In peace,
Michelle
Our new schedule, at least for now!
MONDAYS: 8:15-9:15
TUESDAYS: 9:00-10:00
THURSDAY: 8:30-9:30 (including this week, 1/22 as I had announced an earlier time this morning)
Reminder too I will be at U STUDIO 5410 Wilshire Blvd. Jan. 21 and 26 at 5:30. PLEASE COME VISIT!
