Transform Your Mood
Week 1, Day 4
Our body can play a big part in how we feel,
whether we stand firm, stretch out tall,
jump high or crouch low.
Sometimes, when we are in the same space for a long time, our bodies learn habits and take on a regular shape.
Our shoulders may round in and we may hunch more over a phone or laptop.
Being at home, we may feel confined and stifled.
Here are some ways to change your experience of your space by changing your body shape.
Begin by watching the series of postures:
(1) Stand Firm like a Mountain
(2) Stretch Tall like a Tree
(3) Squeeze Tight like a Diamond
(4) Spread Wide like a Star
Follow Step by Step!
(1)
Stand Firm like a Mountain
Plant your feet apart firmly with your arms on your hips
(like Superman or Wonder Woman!)
Stand steady and solid like a mountain, imagine roots holding your feet deep in the ground.
How does this make you feel?
(2)
Stretch tall like a tree
Stand tall like a tree and reach your arms to the sky, high as you can. Relax your "branches" and let them sway and flow in the wind.
How does this make you feel?
How has the feeling changed from the previous posture?
(3)
Squeeze tight like a diamond
Pull your arms around yourself in a tight bear hug. Contract your body into a rigid diamond.
How does this make you feel?
How has the feeling changed from the previous posture?
(4)
Spread wide like a star
Swing your arms out as wide as you can and do a big shining star jump!
How does this make you feel?
How has the feeling changed from the previous posture?
Post Activity Thoughts
Now that you've done
all 4 postures,
Discuss:
(1) How did you feel during the activity? Did that feeling change?
(2) When did you feel most comfortable? When did you feel most tense?
(3) How can we change our posture to feel better or worse?
Try using these postures in your daily life!
They can help you feel more grounded or light, or release tension by expanding and contracting.
Next time you feel a strong emotion, slow down and pay attention to your mind, heart and body.
Use the tools you've learnt over this week to share your feelings and manage them!
Thank you for your submission!