The Embodied Jewish Woman With Rena Reiser

151

209 - How to get in touch with your intuition (from the "On Your Own" Podcast)

Feb 20, 2024

51:22

Today I'm sharing an episode where Esther Shemtov of the "On Your Own" Podcast interviewed me! We discussed the definition of intuition, how to stop living in your head, the importance of identifying your triggers, the benefits of mindful movement, and much more. Here's what Esther had to say about the interview: "What I loved most about this interview with Rena was just the down to earth nature of the conversation. I am a very logical person, usually, and I generally have an aversion to anything that I call ‘woo woo’. But I can safely say that Rena helps us explore deep topics like our intuition, the mind body connection and inner peace, in a really tangible, relatable way. For the majority of my time living away from home, I lived in my head. I thought about everything, all the time. And I was super disconnected from my body, and any sort of inner voice, intuition, all of that. And because of this, I ended up pushing myself to places that weren't healthy for me, lost touch with cues that could have been really helpful in guiding me through tough decisions, and missed out on the present moment… a lot. I know that you can have a better experience. There is a whole other world inside of us that wants to be heard, and hopefully this conversation will help you to rebuild trust in your body's messages, and maintain that trust over the long run imyh. I hope that you enjoy the episode!"

152

208 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 02 19 2024

Feb 19, 2024

9:37

Embrace and Empathize: Inner Journey In this mindful practice, you start by grounding yourself and breathing deeply, allowing your breath to flow naturally. You're invited to listen to the emotions in your body with the same empathy you'd give to a loved one. As you tune in, you're encouraged to notice both physical sensations and emotions without judgment. Then, you explore the opposite of your current feelings, imagining positivity and boundless potential. This process of shifting back and forth allows you to observe any changes with kindness. The practice emphasizes staying connected to all parts of yourself from a place of strength and acceptance.

153

207 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 02 18 2024

Feb 18, 2024

10:02

Embodied Values Awareness Session Rena guided the participants on a meditative journey to relax and connect with their bodies. She encouraged them to identify tension points and breathe deeply, inviting their bodies to relax. She then asked them to bring their attention to their 'felt sense', a sensation in their body, noticing its size, texture, color, and shape. She instructed them to ask it how it was feeling, what it wanted them to know, and how it wanted them to live out a particular value. Finally, she suggested they act out living at this value, observing the impact it had on their bodies.

154

206 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 02 15 2024

Feb 15, 2024

9:35

Relaxation and Reflection for Shabbos Rena led a guided meditation focused on coming into Shabbos feeling like all of one's work is complete. She encouraged participants to find a comfortable position, breathe deeply, and reflect on their week, recognizing their accomplishments, challenges, and feelings of gratitude to themselves and, of course, Hashem. She then shifted the focus to the upcoming Shabbos and encouraged participants to feel the emotions associated with the tasks still to be completed. Throughout the meditation, Rena reminded participants of all they've accomplished and their ability to trust in Hashem to continue helping them through.

155

205 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 02 14 2024

Feb 14, 2024

9:00

Connecting to Hashem's Support Rena led a guided meditation focused on breathing and the sense of Hashem's support. She invited participants to breathe in Hashem's love, compassion, and whatever else they needed, physically, emotionally, or spiritually. She guided them to notice the impact of their breath on their bodies and to sense the support Hashem was providing. She also encouraged them to stay with the experience for as long as it felt right for them.

156

204 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 02 13 2024

Feb 13, 2024

9:13

Orienting Outside and Inside Rena guided the participants through a meditation exercise. She began by inviting them to soften their gaze, take deep breaths, and focus on the body and surroundings. She then shifted their attention to the sense of sound and the temperature of the air. She asked the participants to notice any scent in the air and then bring awareness to their internal environment, including the space that their emotions and thoughts take up. Finally, Rena encouraged the participants to listen to their inner world without judgment, observe what's happening, and trust what they need in the moment.

157

203 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 02 12 2024

Feb 12, 2024

10:08

Body Scan and Emotional Acceptance Rena led a guided meditation focused on breathing and body awareness. She began by guiding the participants to focus on their breath going in and out of their heart space, then conducted a body scan from feet to head, noting any sensations or emotions in each area. She then asked the participants to consider the thoughts and emotions associated with their current state, how it influences their decisions and self-perception. Following this, she encouraged the participants to imagine the opposite of their current emotions and thoughts, noting any new feelings or perspectives that arose. The meditation ended when the participants felt ready to rest or move on.

158

202 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 02 11 2024

Feb 11, 2024

9:36

Self-Reflection Session Rena guided the group through a meditation, inviting them to focus on their breath, become aware of their body and surroundings, and notice any emotions they were feeling. She then suggested they take the time to ask themselves about their state of being in a compassionate way, asking questions about how they were feeling, what was causing those feelings, what they needed, and if there was any other information they needed to know. Finally, she instructed them to reflect back what they had heard, validate it, and commit to offering what was needed, staying with the process for as long as it was helpful.

159

201 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 02 06 2024

Feb 6, 2024

9:05

Focusing and Defocusing Rena guided a relaxation exercise. She instructed participants to focus on their breathing, observe their nervous system's state, and explore their surroundings with curiosity. She then encouraged them to focus on a specific object, and use their body's sensations to connect with the object. The practice included a visual exercise where participants looked at a word and sensed it in their body, followed by a relaxation of the senses. Rena then invited participants to notice any other sensations or feelings that needed attention, and to focus on the vastness of the space around them. The exercise concluded with a reminder to notice all the neutral or good feelings in their bodies.

160

200 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 02 05 2024

Feb 5, 2024

9:45

Embodied Integration Meditation In this guided meditation, participants are encouraged to take deep breaths and focus on the phrase "My Neshama holds all my parts." The meditation involves bringing intention into each word and exploring the distinction between oneself and various emotional parts within. Participants are guided to notice what is supporting their body, acknowledge their current mood, and explore emotions without judgment. The meditation encourages a gentle exploration of feelings and their physical manifestations, emphasizing the idea that one's higher self or Neshama holds all emotions. The practice includes imagining the opposite of current emotions, observing thoughts and sensations, and ultimately breathing in the affirmation "My Neshama holds all my parts" to foster a sense of self-acceptance and integration.

161

199 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 02 04 2024

Feb 4, 2024

9:59

Compassionate Parts Dialogue Rena guided the participants through a relaxation and mindfulness exercise. She invited them to focus on their breathing, notice their bodies, and identify areas that were ready to relax and those that were tense. She then encouraged them to bring attention to these tense areas, embrace them with compassion, and ask them what they needed. The aim was to offer support to these areas in a compassionate and understanding way.

162

198 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 02 01 2024

Feb 1, 2024

9:20

Feeling Complete with the Week Rena led a guided meditation focused on coming into Shabbos feeling complete with the week. She encouraged participants to take deep breaths, notice their body's support, and express gratitude for their accomplishments. She then asked them to acknowledge the tasks still left for the week and observe their physical response to the thought of unfinished work. She suggested imagining Shabbos arriving and everything feeling complete, and to notice the contrast of this feeling with the tasks still to be done. She also addressed any resistance participants might feel in accepting that their work is complete and suggested asking Hashem for help to reach that state.

163

197 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 01 31 2024

Jan 31, 2024

8:57

Hashem's Infinite Providing Rena led a guided meditation focused on connecting with the body and sensing its needs. She encouraged participants to breathe deeply and check in with their bodies, asking them to consider what they might need physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Rena then invited participants to ask for help from Hashem to meet these needs. She emphasized the idea that all needs can be met by Hashem in every moment, and encouraged participants to notice any sense of support or relief in their bodies as a result of relying on Him.

164

196 - Answering your questions

Jan 30, 2024

52:21

In this Q&A episode (from back in the summer!) I discuss: What to do when others around you are triggering you Why we offer self-empathy How to feel regulated when the systems around us feel broken What happens to others when we regulate our nervous systems How to manage other people's energy when you're an HSP (highly sensitive person) What triggers represent How neuroplasticity helps us shift our reactions to our triggers How to work with judgment - whether from self or others

165

195 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 01 30 2024

Jan 30, 2024

9:46

Orienting Meditation Rena led a guided meditation focused on orienting. She began by instructing participants to focus on their breath, then gradually shifted attention to their surroundings, asking them to observe what they noticed in their environment with curiosity and without judgement. She then guided them to explore their own bodies, noting any sensations or emotions, before shifting focus to the entire body and the space available within. Finally, she asked participants to notice any changes in their nervous system, staying with the newfound feelings of calmness and relaxation, and emphasizing the gift of Menuchas Hanefesh from Hashem.

166

194 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 01 29 2024

Jan 29, 2024

9:34

Serving Hashem with Joy Rena led a guided meditation session focused on mindfulness and emotional awareness. She instructed participants to focus on their breath, the sensations in their body, and the sounds around them. Participants were then guided to notice their thoughts and emotions, and how they relate to their overall mood. Rena suggested that participants imagine serving Hashem with happiness, exploring what that would look and feel like. The session ended with an exercise in holding both the participants' current emotions and the idea of serving Hashem with joy, highlighting the paradox of opposites coexisting.

167

193 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 01 28 2024

Jan 28, 2024

9:43

Inner Connection Practice Rena guided the participants through a meditative exercise aimed at relaxing the body and connecting with inner sensations. She instructed the participants to focus on their breath, gradually relaxing different parts of the body and noticing any areas of tension or discomfort. She then suggested a dialogue with these sensations, approaching them with curiosity and compassion, and asking them about their feelings, needs, and what they would like them to know. Finally, she suggested connecting with Hashem, the Source of all energy, for further support.

168

192 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 01 25 2024

Jan 25, 2024

9:29

Meditation for Feeling Supported Rena guided the participants through a meditation focused on feeling supported. She began by encouraging a deep breathing exercise to help relax the body. Then, participants were asked to visualize someone in their life who had always been supportive. The exercise involved recalling what it felt like to receive support from this person, followed by imagining Hashem providing that support multiplied infinitely. The aim of this exercise was to bring a sense of comfort and support from Hashem to the body and mind, which could be called upon whenever needed.

169

191 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 01 23 2024

Jan 23, 2024

9:24

Mindfulness and Body Awareness Meditation Rena led a guided meditation focused on mindfulness and awareness of the body. She began by inviting participants to take deep breaths and focus on their physical sensations. She then guided them through exploring their emotions, tracing the borders of these sensations, and finally focusing on the space around them. Throughout the meditation, she prompted participants to find words to describe their experiences and reflect on the effects of each focus on their bodies and minds. The meditation concluded with participants staying with their physical sensations for as long as it felt comfortable.

170

190 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 01 22 2024

Jan 22, 2024

9:47

Meditation Exercise: Felt Sense and Breath Awareness Rena guided the group through a meditation exercise. She encouraged participants to take deep breaths and focus on the sensation of their breath, allowing their bodies to provide support. Participants were then asked to observe their body's mood, expressing it through their 'felt sense', and to compare this with the sensation of its opposite. Rena suggested that participants stay with these sensations at a comfortable distance, describing the sensations, and noticing their effects on the body. She reminded the group that they could control the pace of the exercise and that she was only there as a guide.

171

189 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 01 21 2024

Jan 21, 2024

9:54

Mindfulness Meditation and Tension Conversation Rena led a guided meditation focused on mindfulness and relaxation. She encouraged participants to take deep breaths, focus on their bodies, and notice areas of tension. Participants were then guided to visualize these areas of tension as separate entities and engage in a conversation with them, asking questions such as how they were feeling, why they were feeling that way, and what they needed. The exercise concluded with participants offering support to these areas of tension and identifying a word or phrase that summarized their experience.

172

188 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 01 18 2024

Jan 18, 2024

9:22

Meditation on Personal Struggles and Support Rena guided a meditation focused on personal struggles and feelings of support. She encouraged participants to focus on their breath, ground themselves, and think about potential worst case scenarios in a controlled and responsible manner. She then invited participants to consider Hashem's infinite capabilities and sense His support, visualizing Him holding them and supporting them through any situation. Towards the end, she asked participants to focus on the felt sense of Hashem's support, find a word or phrase that describes this feeling, and use it as a reminder throughout their day.

173

187 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 01 17 2024

Jan 17, 2024

9:45

Meditation Exercise Guidance Rena guided the participants through a meditation exercise. She began by leading the group through a series of deep breaths and visualizations aimed at relaxing the mind and body. She then encouraged the participants to explore the space around them, both physical and internal, noticing the size, shape, and sensations of objects and internal experiences. Finally, she invited the participants to continue this exercise for as long as it was beneficial to them.

174

186 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 01 16 2024

Jan 16, 2024

9:14

Mindfulness and Emotional Awareness Meditation Rena led a guided meditation focused on mindfulness and emotional awareness. She instructed participants to take deep breaths, pay attention to their bodies, and identify any stuck emotions. She suggested placing a hand on these areas for support and comfort. Rena then asked participants to imagine the opposite of their current emotion, bringing this 'opposite' into their body and observing where and how they felt it. She guided the participants to shift between their original emotion and its 'opposite', noting any changes in sensation or emotion. The meditation ended with Rena encouraging participants to stay with their emotions for as long as felt right for them.

175

185 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 01 15 2024

Jan 15, 2024

9:33

Connecting Body and Emotions Rena guided a meditation practice to connect with the body and emotions. She instructed participants to breathe deeply and focus on their physical sensations before identifying any present emotions or sensations. She then suggested a series of questions to ask these sensations, such as how they were feeling, why they were feeling that way, and what they needed. The goal was to reflect back the responses and observe the feelings in the body, using this information to offer support to the sensations.

176

184 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 01 11 2024

Jan 11, 2024

9:59

Self-comfort and Joy Meditation Rena led a meditation session to help the group explore their emotions and cultivate self-comfort. The exercise began with a series of deep breaths and gentle self-touch, followed by a body scan to identify physical sensations. Participants were encouraged to name their feelings without judgment. The meditation then shifted focus to a joyful future event, visualizing the positive emotions that might arise from this event. The group was instructed to switch between their current emotion and the joyful future visualization, and finish off the meditation by giving themselves a big hug.

177

183 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 01 10 2024

Jan 10, 2024

9:41

Meditation on Hashem's Support Rena led a guided meditation focusing on Hashem's support. She guided participants through a series of deep breaths and physically grounding themselves, and then asked them to bring to mind a minor challenge they were facing. The aim was to help them feel Hashem's support through this challenge and to cultivate the ability to rely on His support in other areas of their lives. Participants were encouraged to find a word, phrase, or image that captured the sense of Hashem's support, which they could return to at any point during the day.

178

182 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 01 09 2024

Jan 9, 2024

9:01

Meditation on Breath Awareness Rena guided the group through a meditation focused on breath awareness. She invited the participants to observe the temperature and fullness of their breath, follow its path in and out of the body, and then broaden their focus to the surrounding room and the overall environment. Rena emphasized the gift of life that the breath is, noting that it nourishes the body and offers opportunities for choice and growth, provided for each individual in every moment by Hashem. She ended the session with a final deep breath, encouraging participants to recognize that they can return to this practice throughout the day for relaxation and calm.

179

181 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 01 08 2024

Jan 8, 2024

9:57

Breathing and Body Awareness Meditation Rena led a guided meditation focused on breathing and body awareness. She invited the participants to focus on the audibility of their exhales, to notice the surface that they're on supporting them, and to describe their bodily sensations to themselves. Rena then invited participants to consider the opposite of their current feelings, imagining what it would feel like if anything was possible. The exercise involved switching between the original emotion and its opposite, noticing the new aspects that emerged, and then finally attempting to be with both feelings simultaneously.

180

180 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 01 07 2024

Jan 7, 2024

9:32

Body Awareness Session Rena led a practice on body awareness. She guided the participants through a series of exercises designed to increase awareness of their bodies and emotions. These exercises involved deep breathing, sensory awareness, and visualization to understand and connect with the body's needs and emotions. Rena concluded the session by suggesting that participants stay with their bodies for as long as they need and then transition back to their surroundings when ready.

181

179 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 01 04 2024

Jan 4, 2024

9:47

Future Visualization of Joy Rena led a practice focused on mindfulness and visualization techniques. She guided participants through a series of exercises designed to help them connect with their bodies, focus on their breath, and visualize future moments of joy. She also encouraged participants to observe their current emotional state and practice first going back and forth between the joy and their present feelings, and then practice holding both their anticipated joy and their present feelings in their bodies simultaneously. The practice concluded with a reflection on how their breathing had changed throughout the exercise.

182

178 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 01 03 2024

Jan 3, 2024

9:13

Meditation on Hashem's Support Rena led a meditation session focused on the theme of support from Hashem. She guided participants through a body scan exercise to become aware of their physical selves and the support they receive from their surroundings, all sent from Hashem for them. The session also included a focus on the felt experience of support.

183

177 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 01 02 2024

Jan 2, 2024

9:23

Guided Meditation for Nervous System Regulation Rena led a guided meditation focused on regulating the nervous system. She encouraged the participants to focus on their breath moving in and out of their heart space, and then notice the state of their nervous system. She also guided them to explore the boundaries of their sensations and the spaces around those sensations. At the end, participants were asked to compare their current nervous system state to the one at the beginning, noting any changes in regulation or dysregulation.

184

176 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 01 01 2024

Jan 1, 2024

9:17

Relaxation and Stress Reduction Meditation Rena led a guided meditation focusing on relaxation and stress reduction. She invited the participants to take deep breaths, allowing the exhale to be slightly longer than the inhale, and to focus on relaxing common tension points. She then guided the participants to bring their attention inside their bodies, noticing their overall mood and emotion. Rena suggested allowing the felt senses to be as they are, not trying to change them, and trusting that they will transform. She also suggested shifting attention to the opposite of the current feeling, and then shifting back and forth between the two. At the end of the meditation, Rena encouraged the participants to invite an image or phrase to help integrate the experience.

185

175 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 12 31 2023

Dec 31, 2023

9:37

Emotional Awareness Meditation Rena guided the group through a meditation focused on mindfulness and emotional awareness. She encouraged participants to breathe deeply and notice their body's sensations, and asked them to describe their feelings. She then instructed them to ask their felt sense a series of questions to understand it better, with the aim of offering support and compassion, and without any agenda to change the felt sense. The practice was designed to help participants gain insight into their emotional states and learn how to provide for themselves in those moments.

186

174 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 12 28 2023

Dec 28, 2023

9:41

Mindfulness for Joy and Relaxation Rena guided the participants through a mindfulness exercise aimed at promoting relaxation and joy. She instructed everyone to take deep breaths and notice their surroundings, then to check in with their body's mood and sensations. She then asked them to shift their focus to a joyful memory, noting where and how they felt joy in their body. Rena stressed the importance of sending signals of safety to the nervous system by allowing joy and relaxation. She concluded by encouraging the participants to stay with the sense of joy for as long as they felt comfortable and safe.

187

173 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 12 27 2023

Dec 27, 2023

9:34

Support Guided Meditation Rena led a guided meditation focused on feeling Hashem's support. The participants were encouraged to focus on their breath and deeply relax their bodies. Rena then invited them to notice the physical sensations of support from the surface they were sitting on, as well as the floor and the building structure, and then extending this feeling to the entire planet. The participants were also invited to sense the support from Hashem, with a focus on feelings of security and support. The practice concluded with an invitation to choose a word or phrase that could help them to remember the feeling of support throughout their day.

188

172 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 12 26 2023

Dec 26, 2023

9:01

Mindfulness Exercise for Awareness and Calmness Rena guided a mindfulness exercise, focusing on breathing and body awareness. She instructed participants to take deep breaths and notice the sensations in their body, both physical and internal. Rena then shifted the focus to external surroundings, inviting participants to notice any object that caught their attention and observe its shape, texture, and size. The exercise ended with a return to the body, focusing on any points of tension and observing the sensations throughout the body.

189

171 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 12 19 2023

Dec 19, 2023

9:30

Sensing and Releasing Tension Rena guided the participants through a mindfulness exercise focused on sensing and releasing tension in the body. She instructed the participants to focus on their breath, observe their body's sensations, and acknowledge any areas of tension or discomfort. The participants were then encouraged to explore the boundaries of this tension, observe the surrounding space, and notice the overall space in their bodies. The exercise concluded with the participants becoming aware of all three sensations - the tension, the space around it, and the rest of the body - at the same time.

190

170 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 12 18 2023

Dec 18, 2023

9:09

Guided Meditation on Breathing and Visualization Rena led a guided meditation focusing on breathing techniques, body awareness, and visualization exercises. She encouraged participants to take deep breaths, notice their body's sensations, and bring to mind any challenges they were facing. She guided them to observe their thoughts and emotions around these issues, and then to imagine the opposite, a perfect scenario. Participants were then invited to switch between these two states of mind, noticing their bodily sensations throughout. The meditation was open-ended, with participants allowed to stay in it for as long as it was beneficial to them.

191

169 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 12 17 2023

Dec 17, 2023

9:21

Protective Parts Rena led a guided meditation focused on protective parts. She encouraged participants to relax their bodies, observe their feelings, and connect with their inner selves. She then invited them to ask their bodies some questions, such as how it was feeling, why it felt that way, and what it was trying to protect them from. The meditation concluded with Rena gently reminding the participants that they are capable adults who can care for their parts.

192

168 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 12 14 2023

Dec 14, 2023

9:41

Zos Chanukah Miracles Rena led a mindfulness exercise to help participants connect with their emotions and body sensations. She guided them through a series of deep breaths and visualizations, encouraging them to explore their feelings and their connections with their physical surroundings. She then asked them to recall a time when they experienced a miracle and invited them to bring that joyful memory into their bodies. Rena suggested that they alternate between their overall emotions and the joyful memory, before staying with both.

193

167 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 12 13 2023

Dec 13, 2023

9:03

Neshama Meditation Rena led a guided meditation focused on our Neshama's presence. She started by guiding participants to focus on their bodies, noticing any areas of tension and releasing it. Then, she moved the attention to the forehead, the spot of our Neshama Shebamochi, our Neshama in our mind. Rena encouraged participants to sense their Neshama throughout their bodies and also become aware of their current mood. She then invited participants to focus on a specific part of their body, allowing it to express itself fully and freely. Finally, Rena asked participants to communicate with this part of themselves, asking what it needs, and imagining their Neshama providing it with that.

194

166 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 12 12 2023

Dec 12, 2023

9:57

Relaxation and Mindfulness Exercise Rena guided a relaxation and mindfulness exercise during the meeting. She instructed the participants to begin with deep breathing, gradually releasing tension in their bodies and focusing on different sensations. She encouraged curiosity and acceptance of these sensations, without judgment. Rena then invited them to feel everywhere, and then to go back and forth between focusing intently on a specific feeling and the focusing everywhere. Finally, she invited the participants to focus on a pleasant sensation in their bodies and observe the effects of the exercise on their breathing and overall feeling.

195

165 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 12 11 2023

Dec 11, 2023

9:58

Exercise for Nervous System Regulation Rena guided a deep breathing exercise to help people tune into their nervous system and thoughts. She asked participants to notice their current state, the signs in their body, and any accompanying thoughts and emotions. She then instructed them to switch their focus to a more regulated nervous system state and its accompanying thoughts and feelings. The exercise involved alternating between the two states and noticing the differences in sensations in the body. Rena concluded by encouraging participants to stay with the regulated state for as long as it felt right.

196

164 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 12 10 2023

Dec 10, 2023

9:36

Square Breathing and Felt Sense Practice Rena led a practice of square breathing, emphasizing the importance of observing the body's position and mood and how it can provide insight into the state of the nervous system. She guided the attendees to bring awareness to their feelings, allowing the body to respond and provide feedback. She then introduced the concept of a 'felt sense', an internal experience that could be approached with curiosity and compassion. Rena suggested asking the 'felt sense' what it needs and how one can assist, committing to providing help, no matter how small. She concluded by encouraging the attendees to stay with this practice for as long as it feels beneficial.

197

163 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 12 07 2023

Dec 7, 2023

10:00

Meditation for Joyous Chanukah Memories Rena guided the participants through a meditation to connect with their bodies and emotions. She invited them to focus on their breath, bring attention to their current mood, and then recall a joyous Chanukah memory. The participants were then instructed to alternate between their current feelings and the joyous memory, before envisioning how they would like to feel during Chanukah and noticing how their bodies responded to these visualizations.

198

162 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 12 06 2023

Dec 6, 2023

9:22

Inner Resource Practice Rena led a mindfulness and relaxation practice, starting with a technique of inhaling and exhaling in reverse order as a way to signal the brain to integrate a new idea. She then invited participants to check in with their bodies, notice any tension, and release it. Rena encouraged them to find an inner resource, focus on it, and notice their body's response to it. She stressed the importance of allowing this inner resource to integrate into their whole self and to revisit it whenever they need extra support.

199

161 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 12 05 2023

Dec 5, 2023

9:36

Focusing on Space, Air, and Sound Rena led a guided practice focused on grounding and mindfulness. She encouraged participants to focus on their physical sensations, such as the support of their body against the surface it was on, the sensation of the air on their skin, and the sounds around them. Rena then guided them to expand their awareness to include the room around them, the building they were in, and finally throughout the world - all created just for them, by Hashem. The aim was to help participants feel more relaxed and centered.

200

160 - Somatic Mindfulness Practice 12 04 2023

Dec 4, 2023

9:15

Emotional Awareness Mindfulness Exercise Rena guided the participants through a meditation exercise focused on mindfulness and emotional awareness. She instructed participants to focus on their breath, body, and surrounding environment, then turn their attention to their thoughts and emotions. Rena suggested identifying the most prominent thought or emotion, naming it, and noticing where in the body it was felt. She then encouraged the exploration of the opposite of that thought or emotion. The exercise concluded with a deep breath, noticing the capacity of the breath, and the invitation to stay with the newly introduced emotion or thought as long as it felt comfortable.