In Western culture, we can show up with just our heads, no body needed except our legs to transport our brain around. Whoa now! Most of the information we need is coming from our bodies and we would do well to reconnect with them.
Why? When we well perceive our body, and thus our environment, we feel safe. When we feel safe, we feel connected and calm. And, as a bonus, our cognitive mind actually works more efficiently.
Playtime (aka Practices)
The Five Senses Technique (The 5-4-3-2-1 Method) In this calming exercise, you'll identify sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and physical sensations. This puts you in awareness of your surroundings and can make you feel more connected, safe, and in the present moment.
Sit quietly. Look around you and notice:
5 things you can see: Your hands, the sky, a plant in the room, a bird outside your window, a picture next to you
4 things you can physically feel: Your feet on the ground, a ball, your own hand, warmth from your socks, softness of your pillow
3 things you can hear: The wind blowing, children’s laughter, your breath, leaves rustling outside, your stomach grumbling
2 things you can smell: Fresh-cut grass, coffee, soap, scent of your clothes, shampoo in your hair
1 thing you can taste: A mint, gum, the fresh air, aftertaste of toothpaste, a sip of tea
