If you’re new to this journey, we recommend you start HERE.
How did it go last week thinking about your SHERO?
What do you admire most about her?
- Maybe it’s her IDGAF attitude – the way she dresses for herself, speaks her mind, takes time for herself, and moves through her day with thoughtfulness and purpose.
- Maybe it’s the way she makes you feel accepted and understood.
- Maybe it’s something else…
Thinking about our SHERO reminds us what we value most in others. It usually has nothing to do with what they look like, and everything to do with who they are and how they act.
In fact, once we get to know someone we tend to almost forget what they physically look like and instead, see them as they are.
So, why is it so hard to view ourselves in the same way?
Hopefully this activity can be a reminder of how to approach yourself as you move through your day, modeling what you respect and value in your shero and beginning to see yourself as you are, not what you look like.
This week, instead of looking outward, we’re going to focus inward and practice listening to our body and noticing what we sense inside of it.
All too often we go about our day without paying any attention to what we are feeling inside our bodies. We get so lost in our thoughts – distracted by to-do lists, what’s for dinner, kids schedules – that we don’t even notice how our bodies feel.
It’s time to change that.
Your body does a great job of telling you what it needs. Learning to listen to it will help you know how to respond to your needs with care. Plus, taking a quiet moment to reflect on how your body feels helps you become more connected to your body – an important part of being embodied!
So, to help you do a better job of listening to your body,
here’s your ONE THING to do this week:
practice doing a body scan.
What the heck is that?
There’s no equipment needed. It’s just a simple practice that requires a quiet space and an open mind.
Below are the steps for doing a body scan. If you prefer, you can just hit PLAY here and Dr. Cara Reeves will talk you through it:
There is no specific goal of this exercise other than to quietly notice how your body feels.
This week, try to take yourself through at least 3 body scans.
Practice makes better.
Give it a try and we will see you back in one week!
How to do a Body Scan
First, start by finding a comfortable, quiet space in your home. You can sit down or lie down- whichever is more comfortable to you.
Softly close your eyes or drop your gaze downward. Take a few deep breaths and allow your body to relax.
Then, begin to quietly notice how it feels in your body. Notice quietly and without judgment.
Start with your feet and then work your way up your body- to legs, torso, arms, neck, shoulders and head.
Notice how each section feels.
Maybe you feel the heaviness of your eyes,
the tension in your shoulders,
or the gurgling in your stomach.
Maybe you feel the pillow at your back
or the relaxed state of your arms and hands.
Maybe you notice how grounded your feet are on the floor.
Just notice. No judgment.
Once you’ve scanned your body, end this practice with a deep breath – in and out.
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Congratulations on taking this journey for yourself and for your daughter. To help her gain the skills and habits that will protect her relationship with her body, share our class for girls with her: How to Like Your Body, included with her Girlology membership or available to purchase HERE.
For the best experience on any device, get the Girlology App on google play or in the app store.
