	SEARCH Advanced Search
Blog SHOPPING CART MY ACCOUNT

Current Articles | Categories | Search | Syndication

Friday, April 17, 2009

Loosen the Grip

:: 0 Comments ::

:: relaxation, mindfulness, letting go

Do you ever want to let go of something—an unpleasant feeling, a memory, or a worry? Perhaps all you really need is to remember how it feels to let go.

The following practice is a way of understanding the physicality and feeling of letting go. You can learn to link this physical experience of recognition and release with tightness around thoughts or feelings.

Breathe mindfully for about a minute.
Set your intention. For example, “May this practice empower me to recognize patterns of holding and tightening in myself and to release them.”
Breathe mindfully for a few breaths. Then make a fist with one hand.
Squeeze the fist hard. Then gently but quickly release it. Repeat, focusing on the sensations of contracting and releasing.
Notice how the feelings extend through your body and inner life.
Whenever you have a painful feeling or emotion, look mindfully for a feeling of contraction or holding in your body. Work with the physical feeling directly. Explore the effect that easing the physical tightness has on the painful feeling.

adapted from Five Good Minutes®: 100 Morning Practices to Help You Stay Calm and Focused All Day Long.

Posted By newharb / 12:00 AM / Friday, April 17, 2009

Comments

Currently, there are no comments. Be the first to post one!
Click here to post a comment

related books

Archives

NH Authors on Huffington Post
New Harbinger Publications Susan Albers, Ph.D. Ronald Alexander, Ph.D. Lisa Firestone, Ph.D. E lisha Goldstein, Ph.D. Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D. Lara Honos-Webb, Ph.D. Susan Kuchinskas Karen Leland Pavel Somov, Ph.D. Cassandra Vieten, Ph.D.

NH Authors on Psychology Today

Barton Goldsmith, Ph.D.
"Emotional Fitness"

Bill Knaus, Ed.D.
"Science and Sensibility"

Cassandra Vieten, Ph.D.
"Mindful Motherhood"

Jefferson Singer, Ph.D.
"Life Scripts"

John P. Forsyth, Ph.D.
"Peace of Mind"

Jonathan Kaplan, Ph.D.
"Urban Mindfulness"

Karen Leland
"The Perfect Blend"

Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D.
"The Science of Willpower"

Lisa Firestone, Ph.D.
"Compassion Matters"

Marilyn Krieger, Ph.D.
"The White Knight Syndrome"

Mary Lamia, Ph.D.
"The White Knight Syndrome"

Randi Kreger
"Stop Walking on Eggshells"

Raychelle Cassada Lohmann, MS, LPC
"Teen Angst"

Rick Hanson, Ph.D.
"Your Wise Brain"

Robert Firestone, Ph.D.
"The Human Experience"

Ronald Alexander, Ph.D.
"The Wise Mind Open Mind"

Russ Federman, Ph.D., ABPP
"Bipolar You"

Russ Harris, MD
"The Happiness Trap"

Stephanie Sarkis, Ph.D.
"Here, There, and Everywhere"

Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D.
"Get Out of Your Mind"

Susan Albers, Psy.D.
"Comfort Cravings"

Susan Pease Gadoua, LCSW
"Contemplating Divorce"

Troy DuFrene
"Fumbling for Change"

NH Authors on Psych Central
Elisha Goldstein, Ph.D. "Mindfulness & Psychotherapy" Suzanne Phillips, Psy.D., ABPP "Healing Together for Couples" Pavel Somov, Ph.D. "360º of Mindful Living"