How do you use your body to change your mind?

How are things going in your world?

If I'm honest, I have been riding the 'ronacoaster' of emotions again this last week. Swinging between the glimmers of hope of Spring on the horizon - I went for a gorgeous run with a friend and saw daffodils popping up, and then the realisation that we are still in a full lockdown with no known end to it just yet.

As someone who practices mindfulness meditation and 'knows' how to bring myself back to the present moment, it sure is a test of patience right now. And what an excruciatingly uncomfortable gift that is - the test of patience and presence.

Something that really helps me be patient and come back to the present moment is connecting with my body. It's always here and now. It's real. Tangible. I can feel it. I can move it. I have some control and influence over it. It's wise, intelligent. AND it's the home of my mind. It's where my mind lives.

So when I can feel myself trying to figure out the future, the unknown, what's going to happen next, I come back to my body. 

I run.

Practice yoga.

Rest my hand on my heart.

Cuddle my dog and feel my heart beating next to his.

Sit in a hot bath.

Feel my feet against the ground.

Tune into my senses when out on a walk.

Dance.

Cry.

Eat something delicious and savour it.

Play my harp.

Feel the cold wind and rain on my face.

Massage my feet.

Have a stretch.

Our mind is our body and our body is our mind. There is no separation. 

So when you are overthinking, worrying, trying to figure out the future, come back to your body, see how it feels.

I would love to know how you connect to your body? How does it change your mind?