Slowly, with me, take time now to perform a body scan.

What did you notice?

This simple practice has transformed my life.

Both of my parents are exceptionally bright and so identified with their minds. They didn't speak of their bodily experiences or identify with their bodies. This orientation gave me a way to go when trying to learn how to fully inhabit mine.

My mother, who was sick from the age of 18, was raised on the ethic "if you don't have something nice to say -- say nothing."

From my earliest days, I learned her techniques of masterful misdirection rather than how to deeply connect to myself.

The body scan, was something I started to practice at a time when I was the very sickest. I couldn't pay attention to my breath without feeling like I was suffocating (and therefore, I pay attention to my heartbeat).

When we turn toward the thing that is causing us such pain and difficulty, we can notice the subtle changes, the differences between today and yesterday. If I'm not paying close attention: I will miss them.

I can't make changes if I'm not paying attention.

Body scans have benefited me in small ways like: how do I want my eggs? to the modest: am I eating this because I'm hungry or because I'm sad? to the monumental: I've learned how to love myself.

So when you hear me suggest to set an alarm before you go to an event so that you'll do a body scan, this is part of why I think they're crucial.

You can begin them NOW. The easiest way to start is to tie them to a habit.

Do you do body scans? When? Why? How have they worked for you?