This is from last summer but I like it — which is rare.
Happy Friday!
xox
At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are, and what you want
~ Lao Tzu
I can remember doing this exercise in one of Diana’s meditation workshops years ago after I had read about it in a book from my long distant past (please don’t ask me which one, that I can’t remember) I just remember being gobsmacked over the realization that the cells of my body may collectively know more than my brain, how I actually feel about things – so we tried it.
We being the women in the Wednesday group, and no men, you don’t need a uterus to try this exercise although it IS about observing the reaction your body has to certain words.
As a matter of fact one of my male friends says his butt puckers up.
Ha! I’ve got ya now…….keep reading, you’ll understand in a minute.
Words carry energy, on that we all agree, correcto?
Certain words can either feel expansive or contracting.
Expansive words/energy have to do with keeping your heart open, being receptive, being vulnerable.
Arms uncrossed, face and upper body open.
Contracting words/energy are all about fear, suppression, closing the gate, hoisting up the drawbridge and filling the moat with water – and a dragon.
Gathering in, armoring up and closing down.
Try this out, it’s visceral, the change may be subtle, but you will feel SOMETHING,
And that feeling is what you want to be on the lookout for.
Here goes. Say the word aloud:
Cancer
Money
Vacation
Commitment
Puppy
Deadline
Hospital
I Love you
Snake
Failure
Hate
I’m proud of you
Idiot
Did you feel it, that very subtle, or not so subtle opening and closing reaction as your body feeeeeeeels the energy of each word?
If you’re a doctor the word hospital probably won’t trigger you negatively, although, if someone says to you: They had to rush Timmy to the hospital!
I doubt you’ll feel nothing.
The same thing with money. It can have a very expansive feeling for some, and make others want to jump off a bridge.
That word has felt different ways to me at different times in my life, same word, just different energy.
Puppy is a mixed word for me nowadays also. 😉
Snakes? Snakes make me shiver. ‘Nuf said.
Remember: Language is a powerful thing, it can harm people as efficiently as a weapon, or raise someone’s soul to new heights, so be careful – really.
It can also give you the insight you need when your mind is chewing on a problem like a dog with a bone.
Say the word or words that coincide with what you’re thinking about out loud, and see how it feels in your body. Voila! There’s your answer.
I quit
I’m pregnant
Marry me
Let’s move
I’m leaving
I’m sorry
It’s a good one, I know!
Keep practicing and you’ll get better and better at figuring out how you REALLY feel about things.
If you feel inclined to comment, please do below. Remember the tribe learns a lot when you share from the heart.
Much love,
xox
