Mindfulness Body Scan is a foundational mindfulness meditation practice that has the potential to promote greater self-awareness and well-being. This piece provides a clear definition and description of the key components of the Mindfulness Body Scan practice.
Mindfulness is an essential practice that involves purposeful awareness of the present moment without judgment. Mindfulness Body Scan is a core practice within the realm of mindfulness-based practices, which involves a systematic and deliberate examination of the body from head to toe with presence and awareness. It is a means of grounding oneself in the present moment, relaxing the body, and fostering regulation of emotion that is rooted in the here and now.
Typically, the practice begins by finding a comfortable and quiet place to lie down. The practitioner then closes their eyes, relaxes, and takes a few deep breaths. With each exhalation, they direct their attention to regions of the body in a gradual progression from the crown of the head to the tips of the toes – noticing with presence the sensations that are present in each region of the body, without attempting to change anything — just feeling.
Mindfulness Body Scan encourages an attitude of acceptance and curiosity toward whatever sensations are present and allows people to explore the way that those sensations may correspond to and impact emotional experience. With repeated practice, Body Scan enables individuals to develop awareness of sensations in their bodies in addition to emotions that are present in every moment, which can lead to reduced emotional reactivity, greater emotional regulation, and increased self-compassion.
Mindfulness Body Scan: A powerful practice for developing mindfulness and self-awareness – and for cultivating emotional well-being through a systematic process of becoming more connected with oneself.