Follow along with the video
We are going to begin with a grounding exercise. Grounding exercises are shown to help us become centered in our body, pause the noise from the outside world, and find a sense of relaxation.
I invite you to sit up tall at your desk or perhaps you’re sitting on the floor. You can start with eyes open and bring your gaze towards the ground. Or you can close your eyes completely. Put your hands in your lap or perhaps on your thighs.
We will start with a few big deep breaths. Notice where you feel your breath. Perhaps in your belly or your chest.
Return your breathing to normal as we bring our attention to our body.
As you exhale, round your back, pulling your abs into your spin, tucking your tailbone under and bring your chin to your chest. Be as round in the upper back as you can and push your mid-back towards the chair.
As you inhale, allow your belly to move forward, arch your back, send your chest forward and look up.
Pause
Place your left hand on your right knee and your right arm over the back of your chair, or behind your body. Turn to look over your right shoulder and hold. On the inhale, feel your spine lengthen and, on the exhale, feel your body twist deeper.
Come back to the center, and we will do the other side (do other side).
Interlace your hands behind your back. As you inhale, lift your hands up and away from your back. While gently lifting your chin away from your chest. As you exhale, lower your hands.
As we pause here. Take a moment to make note of how your body is feeling. Appreciate the calm and ease throughout the body. Be here for a moment.
When you are ready, I invite you to open your eyes….
Gabrielle Iwaskow
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Gabrielle, a registered psychotherapist (qualifying), introduces the workshop, and explores how practicing mindfulness habits can help to improve our mental and emotional energy, and leave the mind feeling lighter and more clear.
In this calm, gentle, grounding exercise, reconnect with yourself and learn to be still, let go of your thoughts and be present in the moment. Practice this exercise to leave you feeling more centered in your body with a sense of relaxation.
A guided written reflection designed to connect with ourselves and understand what we need to harness our energy sources. If we understand our body and it’s needs, we can better communicate this to others, like our personal trainers for example. Materials: pen and paper.
Gabrielle reinforces the importance of routine mindfulness practice and how it will bring you closer to your health and fitness goals. For additional resources on implementing mindfulness exercises and further reclaiming your energy.