This mindfulness exercise shows you how your mind and body work
together to influence how you feel and how you can gain CONTROL
. Sit in a chair, leaning as far forward as you can, holding on
to the arms. What do you experience? Does the blood rush to your
head? Can you feel yourself gripping? Are you afraid of toppling
over? Now lean back as far as you can, hinging from the waist.
What do you experience now? Do you feel like you could be pushed
over? Is it a strain to hold that position? Now, finally, come
to rest in a neutral position. Sitting in the chair with the
chair fully supporting your weight, imagine a golden string
attached to the top of your head which goes up to the ceiling
and beyond. The golden string holds your head in a relaxed,
balanced position, gently floating above your neck. Cup your
hands with palms facing up, and place them in your lap as you
lower your eyes. If you are comfortable, you can close them
gently. Begin to breathe with awareness, noticing the air coming
in through your nost