Body Scan

A simple technique that will bring body and mind into sync.

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So often in life, our body is doing one thing while the mind is busy someplace else. The body scan exercise essentially helps us to bring body and mind back together again. So when we sit down, we mentally scan downward through the body, starting at the top of the head and finishing at the toes. If it helps, imagine it like the light from a photocopier, moving down through the body at a steady, even pace. As you scan downward, focus your attention on whichever part of the body the light is on and notice how the different parts of the body feel, what feels comfortable and what feels uncomfortable. It's not about trying to change the feeling or resist any discomfort, but rather building up a picture of how the body feels. And as much as possible, remain objective, interested, curious, coming to it fresh each day without any preconceived ideas of what you might find. With a little practice, this technique can quickly help settle both the body and the mind, increasing our awareness and helping us to feel more present in the world....

Details

TypeExpert Guidance

Duration1 min

About your teachers

A former Buddhist monk, Andy has guided people in meditation and mindfulness for 20 years. In his mission to make these practices accessible to all, he co-created the Headspace app in 2010.
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Eve is a mindfulness teacher, overseeing Headspace’s meditation curriculum. She is passionate about sharing meditation to help others feel less stressed and experience more compassion in their lives.
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As a meditation teacher, Dora encourages others to live, breathe, and be with the fullness of their experiences. She loves meditation’s power to create community and bring clarity to people’s minds.
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Kessonga has been an acupuncturists, therapist, and meditation teacher, working to bring mindfulness to the diverse populations of the world.
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Rosie Acosta has studied yoga and mindfulness for more than 20 years and taught for over a decade. Rosie’s mission is to help others overcome adversity and experience radical love.
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