Our bodies are amazing and they help us learn about the world around us.
The only thing we need to do is to pay attention.
Using our five senses,
The sense of sight,
Sound,
Touch,
Smell,
And taste is a great way to learn about our environment.
It's also really helpful when our mind is busy and needs a break.
We can use our senses to come into the moment with a curiosity for what's happening right here and right now in the present.
Let's practice.
Come into a comfortable position sitting upright,
Although you can lay down if you'd like.
Alright,
Now notice your breath for a few breaths.
You don't have to control it or count it.
Just notice that you're breathing without even trying to.
Notice the rise and fall of your chest or belly.
Your body is amazing.
It knows just what to do.
Now take a look around slowly.
Notice what you see.
Try to find things you wouldn't normally notice or those that you can see details in that seem special or interesting in this moment.
The lighting,
Reflections,
Shadowing.
Now close your eyes.
And when you do that,
You may notice sounds seem more noticeable.
What can you hear?
Listen for the sounds that are close by and also the sounds that are off in the distance.
Is everything quiet right now?
What does the silence sound like?
Now what can you feel using your sense of touch but without moving your hands around?
Can you feel your weight sitting or laying down?
Can you feel the fabric of your clothes against your skin?
Can you feel the temperature of the air?
Using your sense of smell,
Do you notice any aromas in the air?
Or if you slowly bring your arm or the back of your hand up to your face,
Do you smell anything?
It's okay if you don't.
Just notice that.
Now finally,
Swirl your tongue around your mouth.
Do you taste anything?
It could be the taste of something that you ate or the taste of your saliva.
Again,
It's okay if you don't.
Just notice that too.
And before you open your eyes,
Notice how does your energy and your mind feel?
Does it feel calm and settled?
This can be a fun activity to do while going for a walk outside.
Or you can do it like we did today,
Just sitting or laying down.
You can teach it to your grown up.
It's a great way of giving their brain a break too during the day.
When you're ready,
Take a deep breath,
Stretch up high and open your eyes.
Have a wonderful day being you mindfully.