This last Micro Pause on the lower back program is a lesson in self compassion. It is also a lesson in giving your self an inner massage, a very practical form of self compassion. Why being kind to yourself matters the most: its all about the nervous system. A common misconception is that muscles become too short and that we need to stretch them out into their full length. Instead, muscles can be contracted or extended, and sometimes they get “stuck” in contraction. Stretching the muscles wont make them longer, what they need is for the nervous system to believe that its safe to extend the muscles. When we do the inner massage, we gently stretch muscles, then release them and in doing so we tell the nervous system that it’s safe to extend the muscles, resulting in greater relaxation.


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Body Intelligence – Dive deeper, 5: observe the breath

The breath is magic! Focusing on the breath anchors us in the present moment like nothing else. Breathing is essentially an exchange of gases between your individual body and the atmosphere surrounding it. What a beautiful way to become certain that you are here and now! Now, lets start become acquainted with our breath in a simple and effective way.

Body Intelligence – Dive deeper, 4: notice how you feel

Sometimes we function more on routine than based on needs. And that isn’t necessarily bad. Routines saves a lot of energy. Still, learning to tune in to how you feel helps you increase your knowledge about yourself so that you can get better at handling life. Observe with a non judgemental mind!

Body Intelligence – Dive Deeper, 2: sensory feet

Same as with the hands, our feet can be thought of as sensory organs. The soles of the feet have plenty of something called proprioceptive nerve endings, nervs that send information to the brain about where in space the body is located. When we constantly wear shoes that may not give enough space to our feet, these nervous connections may become inactive. So now, start activating the nervous connections between your brain and your feet!

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