I see, I love, I let go

Last Friday, I attended an event where a speaker led us in a 5-minute mindfulness exercise to connect with our emotions. As we focused on our breath and body sensations, we could feel the tension in our bodies and realized that these were trapped emotions. The exercise aimed to bring awareness to the fact that emotions can affect the body. While practicing the exercise, I took it a step further.

First, I acknowledged the tension in my body. If a thought or emotion arose, I said to it, "I see you, I notice you, and I am ready to truly be with you." Then, I realized that this act was an expression of love, so I said to myself and to the sensation, "I love you in your discomfort, in your vulnerability." Finally, I was prepared to let go of the tension and discomfort.

After a few minutes of this self-inquiry, I allowed my body to express itself, whether through tension or pain, and each time, I repeated to myself, "I see you, I love you, I let you go."

This is not a mechanical repetition in the hope that discomfort or pain will be released. It is an experience of fully inhabiting my own body, being completely present with what it has to communicate to my mind and spirit. This exercise is truly liberating.

We often try to avoid pain. We avoid thinking about past traumatic events. We medicate ourselves to suppress stomachaches or headaches. We attempt to control our surroundings to stay away from our pains and fears. We fear our own pain, and we fear our own fears.

By becoming mindful of our bodies, we can ease our minds. It's like untangling knots in our hair – it's unpleasant and painful at first, but afterward, we feel better, refreshed, and content.

I will meditate on this Buddhist saying: "Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are."