Practice Now

Embodied mindfulness practice encourages us to use our physical body as a means to anchor our awareness in the present moment. Before we dive into the steps, let's clear up something: Practicing mindfulness isn't about finding perfect peace and quiet. It's about learning to find calm within yourself, regardless of the environment. However, starting your practice in less chaotic moments can help you build the mental muscle to handle the turbulent times. So, when we say 'find a quiet space', we're not oblivious to life's chaos. We're encouraging you to start in moments of relative calm so you can better navigate the storms when they hit. Now, here are some steps to start this practice:

1. Find a Quiet Space: Choose a quiet and comfortable space where you can be undisturbed for the duration of your practice. This might be a dedicated meditation space, your bedroom, or even a quiet spot in a park.

2. Adopt a Comfortable Posture: You can sit on a chair, on a cushion on the floor, or lie down - whichever is comfortable for you. If sitting, try to keep your back straight but relaxed, your feet flat on the floor, and your hands resting gently in your lap.

3. Close Your Eyes: If comfortable for you, close your eyes. This can help you to turn your attention inwards and focus on your physical sensations. If you prefer to keep your eyes open, choose a soft, unfocused gaze.

4. Pay Attention to Your Breath: Begin by taking slow, deep breaths and notice the physical sensation of breathing. Feel your belly rise and fall, your chest expand and contract, the air flowing in and out of your nostrils.

5. Scan Your Body: Gradually move your attention through different parts of your body, from your toes to the crown of your head. Notice any sensations - warmth, coolness, tingling, tension, or relaxation. Remember, the goal is not to change or judge these sensations, but simply to notice them.

6. Notice Your Feelings: As you tune into your body, you might start to notice feelings arising. Just as with physical sensations, aim to notice these feelings without trying to change or judge them.

7. Move Mindfully: Consider incorporating mindful movement into your practice, such as yoga or tai chi. These forms of movement can help you connect with your body and stay grounded in the present moment.

8. Make it a Habit: Aim to practice embodied mindfulness regularly. Even a few minutes each day can make a difference. Remember, mindfulness is a skill that develops over time - be patient with yourself.

9. Integrate Mindfulness into Daily Activities: As you get more comfortable with your mindfulness practice, try to bring mindfulness into your daily activities. You could focus on the sensations of washing the dishes, eating a meal, or taking a walk.

10. Seek Guidance: If you're struggling to get started, consider seeking guidance from a mindfulness teacher, a mindfulness app, or a guided meditation. These resources can provide structure and support as you begin your mindfulness journey. 

Remember, the purpose of embodied mindfulness is not to achieve a certain state or to rid yourself of difficult feelings. Rather, it's about developing a kinder, more accepting relationship with your own experience, just as it is.

  • Mindfulness, at The Practice Center, is more than just being in the present moment. It's about showing up fully, being authentically you, without judgement or agenda. It's the raw and real process of observing your thoughts and feelings as they are, not as you think they should be. It's the courage to meet chaos with calm, and the willingness to embrace whatever comes, gritty and beautiful alike. Mindfulness is the ultimate act of rebellion against a world that demands you to be anything but yourself. It's living each moment with acceptance, compassion, and a dash of audacious irreverence, all served up on the platter of the present. Because here at The Practice Center, we believe that the real journey is inward, and mindfulness is your trusty compass.

  • At The Practice Center, forgiveness isn't merely letting go of past grudges or pardoning wrongs. It's about reclaiming your power from the experiences that have held you captive. It's a bold journey inward, confronting the pains that have been and choosing to no longer let them dictate your present. Here, forgiveness is the gritty, empowering act of acknowledging the past, embracing the lessons, and choosing your own narrative moving forward. Because forgiveness isn't about them, it's about you, taking control, one breath at a time.

  • Attitudinal Healing, in The Practice Center's philosophy, is about more than just fixing what's broken. It's a transformative process that embraces the idea that our attitudes, not our circumstances, define our experiences. It's recognizing that you have the power to choose your responses to life's challenges, no matter how tough they might be. It's about refusing to be a passive participant in your own life and deciding to own your attitude. Because here, we believe that every moment offers an opportunity to choose love over fear, acceptance over judgment, and hope over despair.

  • Embodied practice, as we see it at The Practice Center, isn't about perfect poses or breath counts. It's about tuning into the conversation your body is having with you, without censoring or dictating the dialogue. It's about feeling life, not just thinking it. It's the deliberate act of integrating mind and body, bringing awareness and intention to your physical existence. Because we understand that the body keeps the score and has its own wisdom to share. Here, embodied practice is an invitation to live life in full spectrum – feeling, sensing, moving, and being.