Relax Your Toes to Relax Your Mind

Seeing the Big Picture 2:7

As we progress through our lives and construct layer upon layer of protection, our true self may get buried and lost to us, if only partially. No wonder we have trouble getting to it—we’ve crushed it beneath the defenses we learn that help us maneuver our way through the world. Rather than thinking of yourself as a demon, think of yourself as an overprotective parent. Your child, or inner voice, is deep within you suffocating from all the protective clothing you draped on it for its own good. It is up to you to uncover it and allow it to breathe. Here is a simple exercise that will help you relax and get out of your head and into your body.

Toes Breathing

Lie on the floor with your hands at your sides, palms up. Close your eyes and relax your whole body, beginning with your toes. Take your time with this exercise. Spend at least ten or fifteen minutes each time you do it. Breathe into your toes and feet, stretching, flexing, then relaxing. Once relaxed, forget about them. Move up your leg with your breath. Stretch, relax, and then forget about your shins, your calves, your knees, your thigh. Continue up your whole body, slowly, concentrating on each part of your body, bringing every ounce of your attention with you, with your breath, as you move up.

Stretch, relax, and then forget about each small section. Remember to breathe as you go along. Move up slowly to the crown of your head until all is relaxed. You might put on some soft, soothing music, light some candles, tum out the lights. Pay attention to your breath. Use it to relax you. When you are completely relaxed, put your breath into your tummy, relax your stomach, and just breathe. Fill your tummy with air on the inhale, deflate it on the exhale. Softly, naturally.

Now try to visualize where your inner voice is located and how much protection surrounds it. Gradually strip away the layers to expose your center. This will take some practice. Freeing your voice will not be immediate. The purpose of this exercise right now is just to bring your attention to your inner self via your breath. No need to do anything else. As you repeat and continue this exercise, your awareness will increase. And that is all we’re looking for here—heightened awareness. Be loving and gentle with yourself as you do this.