When was the last time you stopped doing and thinking and took a time out to simply observe yourself? We all get so caught up in thoughts and actions all day every day that it is becoming a rare if nonexistent occurrence when we actually stop moving, stop thinking, and just receive. Spending too much time caught up in your thoughts can lead to anxiety and depression, feeling overwhelmed or apathetic, and struggling with sheer mental exhaustion. We have forgotten how to be still, how to listen to the body, how to step out of the stream of thought and stand ashore. Practicing nonjudgmental observation of the body and the emotions is also a good way to find self-acceptance and contentment through metta (loving kindness).
I’ve been using this meditation for some time now. I’m not sure where I originally heard the idea of “checking in” but I have since adapted this idea to incorporate four parts; a check in with the mind, the body, the heart, and the soul. I have found that doing this once every day, even for only ten minutes, has led me to feel more grounded and more in touch with my body and helped me to foster better self-acceptance. This meditation causes you to stop and listen to yourself, opens you up to observing physical sensation as well as receiving messages from your inner wisdom. It is an excellent way to get grounded, get out of your own way, and allow yourself a few minutes of peace. We practice this meditation as a part of our arrival to yoga class each day, as it is an excellent way to bring ourselves into the present in preparation for our physical practice. I encourage you to try setting aside ten minutes each day for this check in. Consider taking pen to paper afterwards, to record your discovery of yourself. You may be surprised at what you find there.
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