Befriend the Body: Guided Body Scanning Meditation

7300 Reynolds Street,Pittsburgh PA 15208

07 May, 2023

Description

Body scanning is a form of meditation that brings attention to all the parts of the body in a gradual sequence while cultivating an attitude of friendly acceptance toward body sensations. This can reduce stress and release the physical and emotional bracing that often exacerbates physical pain. People who begin a body scanning practice are often surprised to discover tension and tightness they were unaware of, and are empowered by learning to work more skilfully with tension and pain. This is also a wonderful practice for anyone who wants to develop a healthier, less critical relationship with their body and those who want to practice mindfulness but have struggled with other forms of meditation. At this outdoor workshop, participants will be guided through a comprehensive body scanning practice, with an opportunity for questions and discussion before and after the practice. Those who are new to the practice can expect to learn how to do a body scan on their own, and those who are experienced are welcome to attend and benefit from the group energy, natural setting, and facilitation. The practice will be led by a licensed psychologist who is trained in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. Body scanning is usually done lying down but can also be done seated. Your physical comfort during the practice is very important, so please plan ahead to bring all physical supports that will allow you to lie down on the ground or sit as comfortably as possible, keeping in mind that the lawn may be damp or cool. For those who plan to lie down, please bring at minimum a yoga mat, a blanket, and a couple of pillows for beneath your head and knees. Also consider bringing an extra yoga mat to increase cushioning, an inflatable camping mat, additional blankets or pillows, and an eye mask. For those who plan to sit, please bring at least one blanket, any cushioning you might like behind your head as you sit, and an eye mask if you would like to use one. Please select a chair that allows you to rest your back and head. A reclining outdoor chair is ideal for this practice. The workshop will be held outdoors and is weather-dependent. Should the original date be rained out, participants will be contacted about a rain date on another weekend in May. This event is for participants 18 and older. Group size will be limited to 12. While the facilitator is a practicing therapist, this is not a therapy group, and therapeutic processing will not take place. Tickets are free. A donation in any amount to Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center is suggested but not required: Visit https://www.cotraic.org and click on "DONATE" in the upper righthand corner.