Meditating is the simple practice of coming into ourselves, removing the outside stimulus and awakening to our true nature. In our culture this practice is becoming more and more popular. When we meditate with the body, we can be sure our meditation practice does not become spiritual materialism, a practice directed solely at self improvement. Rather, when we use embodied meditation to explore our inner working we dismantle tension holding us within a constricted mindset.

When we inhabit our first home, our body, we eliminate suffering created by our mind. When you tune into what your body is telling you, your felt sense and tension, the incessant chatter of thought is momentarily suspended and identification is dissolved. It is here in this gap, absent of thought and full of feeling, that unconditional awareness and acceptance of what is true can be discovered.

Your experiences literally shape you. They shape your body. We experience our world through our sensory system; our touch, internal sensations, smell, and sight. When we separate from our bodies we are separated from the medium from which we experience reality. 90% of your thoughts are the same thoughts as the day before. For each moment of your life to be fresh and new, you must not rely on your brain’s interpretation of the event, but be receptive by using your bodily cues. The body is the gateway to complete human fulfillment and realization. When we work with the body we can reverse our programmed way of thinking. You can use your body to let go of suffering and shape new experiences.

To be in touch with your body is to be devoted to this moment.

How do we become detached from our body in the first place? Fear. We are conditioned for fear most of our lives. Think about your posture- how it changes in response to anger, sadness, depression, excitement or nervousness. Shoulder’s tighten, fascial muscles tense. The body is physically restricted when emotions are bounding it. Tension in the body foster discursive thoughts. We become vigilant and not present. When tension is released, feelings can be released. When we inhabit our self, we begin to recognize the vastness of life within us. We begin to give reverence to the deep physiological resources within us all. When we believe our body is capable, our mind soon follows. When we trust our body we begin to embrace our bold possibilities, making leaping much easier.

Are you willing to live fully awake and fully human? Are you willing to liberate your body?