Accessible Mindfulness Practice

Hi,

I'm Alessia.

I'm a social worker who is passionate about exploring mindfulness through a lens of accessibility.

When practicing mindfulness,

The way we experience our senses,

Be it sight,

Sound,

Smell,

Taste and touch,

Varies from person to person.

Since we all feel and process sensations differently,

I believe that the techniques we use should support our diverse individual needs.

Throughout my sessions,

I will provide you with varying ways to approach mindfulness.

Each exercise will emphasize choice and personal autonomy.

Breath work is certainly at the core of mindfulness,

Though it isn't suitable for all participants.

In this exercise,

I invite you to explore a technique of your choice.

You might focus on your breathing,

The inhale and the exhale,

Or instead,

You might want to focus on the sounds around you,

The sights around you,

Or the feeling of your body entering a relaxed state.

This is about anchoring into our presence,

Feeling the experience of where we are currently situated.

The pace of this exercise will differ,

Though try to set aside about five minutes to experience your sense of grounding.

Before we begin,

I'll pause for a few moments while I invite you to find a comfortable position.

For some,

This could be sitting in a chair or mobility device,

Laying down,

Standing,

Or switching up your position throughout the session.

You may prefer your eyes open instead of closed.

You might want the lights on or off.

Your comfort is defined by you.

Now that you're in a position of your choice,

Please select the technique you will be applying.

Whether it's breath work,

Listening to the sounds around you,

Or tuning in on a color in your space,

The goal is to let go lightly and invite calm.

You might notice your thoughts or the shift of your emotions.

Gently welcome this awareness as it is part of our waking moments.

As you continue to bring consciousness to where you are situated and focus on the technique you are using,

Bring forth gratitude.

Focus on the awareness and the sensations of calm you may be feeling.

Arrive to your senses by taking the time to establish your attention with whatever works for you.

The next few minutes there will be silence,

Where we will be experiencing our calm together in our own unique way.

I now invite you to gently come back from the mindful attention you experienced.

Thank you for joining me as I hope you continue to practice accessing your calm in whichever way feels best for you.