SomaNews – September 2009
Focus on Gratitude
The birch tree that stands relaxed but rooted outside my window reminds me that fall is on its way and how grateful I am that I have had the opportunity to see another beautiful spring and summer come to pass.
I turn the calendar page and scan to find the word Gratitude in one of the squares of September. This month, September 21 is World Gratitude Day. I sit back in my chair and think about how often have I felt gratitude toward someone or some condition. But when was the last time I felt self-gratitude?
I can go through my life wishing for better health or a nicer home, or I can be thankful for the health I have and the wonderful home I live in. That is my choice, and when you live in your body you have more choice.
Quick Somatic Practice
LEARNING HOW YOU EMBODY GRATITUDE
Feeling gratitude and not expressing it
is like wrapping a present and not giving it.
–William Arthur Ward
We often take time to speak gratitude, offer a kind word, or give a hug or a warm smile to others. But what about self-gratitude? How often do we acknowledge ourselves for the efforts we have extended so that we could be where we are in this very moment?
How do you embody gratitude for yourself?
Try this practice:
Take a deep breath and let your shoulders drop and your belly soften
Go back and bring yourself to a time when you did something for yourself that empowered you, even if it is something as simple resting in the middle of the day
Ask yourself, What did I receive from this?
Feel your body. What is it saying to you?
Imagine your chest expanding in width – your heart beating slowly
Your chest becomes an extended and ever-widening plane of self-love and gratitude
Your feet become a part of the earth, and the warm, moist soil of her existence becomes a part of you
Breathe deeply and say, I am grateful for my life, I am grateful for my health, I am grateful for my being
Allow your body to react to these statements
Does it relax and drop deeper into the chair? Or does it tighten and your breath gets shallow? Maybe you don’t feel anything
Just be with your body and thank it for helping you see a part of yourself that you might not have seen before
Take another deep breath and come back into the now
How do you feel? Learning how you embody self-gratitude is an incredible path for growth!
New One-day Workshops
Those of you who are familiar with somatic coaching know that it’s difficult to convey this work through words alone. It needs to be experienced.
At a recent leadership retreat, I worked with several attendees who experienced dramatic results. I treasure these opportunities to be reminded how life-changing our methods and practices really are.
So with the inspiring retreat still fresh in my mind, I’ve decided to develop several one-day workshops to allow even more people to experience somatic work. Topics include dealing with health challenges, using the creative process to represent your body’s journey, and and story shifting – making changes that will take you to the next level!.
I’m looking into holding the workshops at a beautiful, private ranch just outside of Petaluma.
What ideas do you have for workshops? What topics would interest you? I would be grateful for your feedback.
My contact information
I would love to hear from you. Feel free to call or send an email.
Madeline Wade
Phone: 707-480-3846
Email: madelinewade@comcast.net
Web site: madelinewade.com
