Hi,
I'm Kim Pasch.
Welcome to Open Hands,
Open Sky.
This practice explores DBT willingness through the spaciousness of an open metal landscape.
Helping us soften our grip,
While remembering that willingness does not mean giving up our choice.
Begin by settling into a comfortable position.
Allowing your hands to rest open if that feels natural.
For one minute.
Practice equal breathing.
Inhaling gently for four.
3,
2,
1 and exhaling gently for 4 3,
2,
1 continuing on inhaling for 4 3,
2,
1 exhaling gently for 4 3,
2,
1 continuing on your own count for 4 and breathing out for four.
We'll let the breath be even and unforced.
If counting doesn't feel supportive for you,
Simply create a balanced rhythm.
And now,
Imagine yourself standing in a wide meadow beneath an open sky.
There is nothing that you need to hold on to here.
Bring to mind a situation where part of you is saying no.
I don't want this to be this way.
Notice that resistance in your body.
Where do you grip?
Where do you brace?
Where do you feel pulled toward control?
Now imagine opening your hands beneath the sky.
Willingness does not mean liking what is happening.
It means allowing yourself to work with reality rather than against the fact that it exists.
With open hands,
Ask gently,
Where could I soften without abandoning myself?
Notice one small place in the body that can soften.
Perhaps your jaw.
Shoulder.
Bali.
A hand.
And you might breathe into that small amount of space.
Silently repeating.
I can be willing to meet this moment.
Again,
I can soften and still have choice.
Feel the openness of the sky around you.
You don't have to know the entire path.
You only need enough willingness for the next step.
Taking one more final breath in and exhaling,
Allowing your hands to soften.
Perhaps carrying that openness with you as you return.
