Weekly Body Scan & Check In
Each week in class, I invite you to take a full body scan ~ from the top of your head to the tips of your toes. This is an opportunity to reconnect with the parts of yourself you may have overlooked or neglected, to notice where pain may have eased, and to send breath into any areas that feel tight or sore. It's a moment to check in with yourself and deepen your connection with your body.
This process unfolds in two parts.
First, take a moment to sit in meditation (or lie in savasana if that feels better). Close your eyes, and slowly bring your attention to each part of your body, one at a time, breathing into each area as you go.
After your body scan meditation, I encourage you to take a closer, more detailed look at all parts of your body. Approach this with kindness and curiosity, not judgment or negativity.
Pairing this with journaling can create a weekly "physical" that helps you track what's going on with your health and invites you to offer a little more TLC to your entire being.
Here are some areas to reflect on:
Look at your skin, from head to toe.
How are your eyes? Any puffiness or dark circles? Are the whites clear or yellowed?
Examine your gums, lips, and teeth ~ any changes?
Check in with your breasts, belly and genitalia.
How is your breath?
Do your gums bleed after flossing?
Are you feeling bloated?
What’s your hair like ~ healthy, thinning, dry?
Are you tired? Does this show physically?
How are your bowel movements?
Are you staying hydrated?
What's your posture like ~ are you hunching a lot? Could poor posture relate to any aches and pains you have?
Do you feel any unusual pain or discomfort?
Are you breathing deeply? Do you wheeze?
Is your body sensitive to heat or cold?
How’s your circulation?
Where do you notice "absence of pain” ~ old injuries healed that you forgot about?
Most importantly, how do you feel overall?
(Feel free to add more questions as you go ~ this practice is meant to be flexible and personal.)
As you explore, jot down detailed notes. Over time, this journal can become a helpful record of your subtle changes, offering insight into what’s improving or where you might need more care. Be honest ~ note both the positives and the challenges. Reflect on what changes you might try, or if you should schedule a check-up.
End with a moment of gratitude, focusing on the healthy, functioning parts of your body ~ those we often take for granted, like sight, hearing, limbs, taste, digestion, and even laughter.
Use this information to notice patterns with dietary or seasonal changes, and consider bringing your observations to your next doctor’s appointment.