Using Body Sensations for Caring

Lesson-2, "Soft as a feather"

Why do we work with the caring, body sensations of softness?
      The sensation of softness, can give the direct experience of caring/compassion/love. The caring sensation softness allows painful sensations, emotions or thoughts to be accepted and fully acknowledged.

Suggested Pre-Class Reading:

• The Three Nervous Systems
• The Four Hormonal Systems

The Class will Include:       Moving the body to release stress       Settling into the "mountain" posture       Guided meditation to "soft as a feather"       Moving the awareness from hard to soft       Discussion on the power of Caring       Summary

Releasing Held Stress by Gently Moving the Body:
       1st- Move the hips and arms like sea weed
       2nd- Stretch and twist the spine
       3rd- Massage the hands and face

Gathering in Awareness with a Grounded Sitting Posture:
      1st- Feel the heaviness sensation of the hips 'sitting like a mountain'
      2nd- Feel the hardness sensations of the spine 'tall like a tree'
      3rd- Feel the movement sensations of the belly 'soft as a feather'

Caring Practice:
      LEARNING SOFTNESS FROM A BALL: The new thing (ball), with a child's interest inquire into the physical characteristics of this new thing. 1- Is it hard or soft?, 2- Is it rough or smooth?, 3- Is it heavy or light ?
      BODY SENSATION AWARENESS: Placing the tip of the tongue against the inside of the bottom lip. 1- Feel the sensations of softness from the lip, 2- Move the tip of the tongue sideways and feel the smoothness, 3- Feel the lightness of the tip of the tongue.
      SPREADING IT AROUND: If the emotions and thoughts are settling down, invite the sensations of softness to spread around the mouth, the body organs and muscles. If there is any place in the body that is tight or painful guide the caring awareness there. "May the shoulders be well" or "May the ... be well". This is the practice of Caring Awareness.

Moving the Awareness:
      DEMONSTRATION: With a stone the left hand and the ball in the right. Slowly move the awareness to the sensations of hardness of the stone for three long breaths. Next move the awareness to the sensations of soft ball in the right hand for three long breaths. Then move the awareness back and forth at you own pace with the rhythm of each breath.

Experience: The caring sensations of soft, smooth and light, in the body.

Additional Practices:

• Advanced Awareness of Body Sensations (Burma)

Discussion Topic:
      Compassion is a verb
      Caring for or about the object
      Balancing Over Care and Under Care

Summary:
      With the caring sensations of softness, we can offer a deep healing space to all objects of experience