The Embodied Jewish Woman with Rena Reiser

Self-Value Practice

During Rena's guided somatic mindfulness practice, we began by taking deep breaths, allowing our bodies to relax without forcing anything. We noticed the support of the surface beneath us and invited our bodies to sink into it further. Rena encouraged us to bring to mind everything that needed to be done before Shabbos, from preparations to unfinished work, and to observe how thinking about these tasks affected our bodies, posture, and breath. We imagined ourselves accepting and valuing ourselves completely, regardless of our accomplishments. This acceptance brought a noticeable change in our bodies and minds, creating a sense of ease and self-respect. From this place of self-value, we envisioned completing our tasks with a sense of calm and presence. We felt more grounded and connected, carrying this feeling into our preparations.

If you feel called to support my mission of promoting Menuchas Hanefesh and self-care, please consider one or more of the following.

1) Share this episode with a friend or family member you think would appreciate it.

2) Leave a review on your favorite podcast app or my website.

3) Send me an email or message with your experience listening to this.

4) Make a donation on my website: https://renareiser.com/product/the-daily-pause/

Thank you for your support!

Understanding Chronic Pain and Emotional Well-being

I'm excited to share with you the recording of our recent Q&A call where we delved into topics surrounding chronic pain, self-regulation, and emotional well-being.

Here's a brief overview of what was covered:

• Addressing Chronic Pain Approaches: I discussed contrasting approaches to chronic pain, clarifying misconceptions and offering my perspective on effective methods.

• Embracing Emotions for Healing and Self-Regulation: We explored the significance of accepting and processing emotions as a pathway to healing and calmness.

• Self-Regulation and Nervous System States: I shared my personal insights on self-regulation and proposed a model for understanding nervous system states.

• Understanding Nervous System States and Felt Sense: We discussed the impact of different nervous system states on well-being and the concept of 'felt sense' in regulating emotions.

• Holistic Healing Model and Self-Regulation: I discussed the significance of understanding internal parts and values for holistic healing, emphasizing visualization and neuroplasticity.

• Overcoming Criticism-Induced Shutdowns: A participant asked about criticism-induced shutdowns, and I shared some strategies for mindfulness and acceptance.

• Embracing Emotional Parts and Expressions: The importance of understanding emotional parts and expressing emotions authentically was discussed, addressing societal stigma around public displays of emotion.

• Embracing Emotions, Communication, and Support: Open communication and seeking support were highlighted as essential for navigating emotional challenges, along with acknowledgment of unexplained fears and sensitivities.

• Somatic and Emotional Expression: Managing body memory and the importance of support from others were explored, alongside discussions on social norms around emotional expression.

• My Tearful Moments and Emotional Response: I shared three personal instances where I cried publically, reflecting on the natural response of the body to emotional situations.

• Processing Emotions: The complexities of processing emotions and seeking help were discussed, emphasizing self-care and allowing oneself time to process emotions.

Feel free to share any thoughts or insights that resonate with you. Additionally, if you have any questions or would like further clarification on any of the topics discussed, don't hesitate to reach out.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the call, and I look forward to our continued journey of exploration and growth together!

Protective Layer Focus

During our guided somatic mindfulness practice led by Rena, we took time to connect deeply with our bodies and breath. We began by slowing down our breathing, inviting relaxation and signaling to our entire being to let go and embrace renewal. We then focused our attention on the surface supporting us, feeling its stability. Rena guided us to notice any sensations, thoughts, or memories within us, encouraging curiosity and focus. We shifted our awareness to our skin, appreciating its vastness and protective qualities, recognizing it as a boundary and container for our thoughts, feelings, and dreams. Alternating our focus between internal sensations and the expanse of our skin, we explored the newness in familiar experiences, noticing the impact on our body and mind.

If you feel called to support my mission of promoting Menuchas Hanefesh and self-care, please consider one or more of the following.

1) Share this episode with a friend or family member you think would appreciate it.

2) Leave a review on your favorite podcast app or my website.

3) Send me an email or message with your experience listening to this.

4) Make a donation on my website: https://renareiser.com/product/the-daily-pause/

Thank you for your support!

Mindful Boundary Setting

In Rena's guided somatic mindfulness practice, we journeyed into our bodies, inviting our breath to lead us into a state of deep relaxation and presence. We let go of the need to rush, allowing ourselves to settle into the support beneath us. With gentle guidance, we recalled moments where we said yes when we meant no, feeling into the sensations and emotions that arose. Then, we imagined ourselves upholding those boundaries, experiencing the empowerment of saying no. Through this process of exploration and embodiment, we discovered the wisdom within our bodies, learning how to honor our true desires with compassion and clarity.

If you feel called to support my mission of promoting Menuchas Hanefesh and self-care, please consider one or more of the following.

1) Share this episode with a friend or family member you think would appreciate it.

2) Leave a review on your favorite podcast app or my website.

3) Send me an email or message with your experience listening to this.

4) Make a donation on my website: https://renareiser.com/product/the-daily-pause/

Thank you for your support!

Embracing Radical Acceptance

During the guided somatic mindfulness practice with Rena, we took deep breaths, inviting our breath to flow naturally without forcing it. We brought loving attention to our breath, recognizing how it supports us in every moment. We then settled into the surface we were on, inviting our bodies to relax. Our focus shifted to sensing our bodies, noticing the state of our nervous systems—whether calm, in fight-or-flight mode, shut down, or a blend of these states. We welcomed our current state with radical acceptance, without trying to change it. We paid attention to any sensations, thoughts, emotions, or memories that arose, observing where and how we felt them in our bodies. We listened to these parts of ourselves, acknowledging their perspectives and needs without judgment. We gave these parts permission to express themselves fully, staying present with them as long as needed.

If you feel called to support my mission of promoting Menuchas Hanefesh and self-care, please consider one or more of the following.

1) Share this episode with a friend or family member you think would appreciate it.

2) Leave a review on your favorite podcast app or my website.

3) Send me an email or message with your experience listening to this.

4) Make a donation on my website: https://renareiser.com/product/the-daily-pause/

Thank you for your support!

Reflections: Embracing Our Values and Finding Inner Settling

In Rena's guided somatic mindfulness practice, we began by taking deep breaths, inviting our breath to echo through us gently. We connected with our bodies, feeling the support beneath us, gradually letting go and sinking into the present moment. Reflecting on our week, we explored each day, noticing moments aligned with our values, bringing settling. We acknowledged instances where we strayed from our values, allowing ourselves to feel, without judgment, finding the right distance from those experiences. Imagining possibilities, we considered how we could have lived our values fully, observing the impact on our bodies and minds. As we concluded, Rena prompted us to carry this mindset forward, finding moments of solace and making choices from a place of calm regulation, staying in this space for as long as needed.

If you feel called to support my mission of promoting Menuchas Hanefesh and self-care, please consider one or more of the following.

1) Share this episode with a friend or family member you think would appreciate it.

2) Leave a review on your favorite podcast app or my website.

3) Send me an email or message with your experience listening to this.

4) Make a donation on my website: https://renareiser.com/product/the-daily-pause/

Thank you for your support!

In Rena's guided somatic mindfulness practice, we were gently led into a space of deep embodiment and self-nurturing. We began by acknowledging the permission to slow down, to step away from the chaos of life, and to simply relax. As Rena's words enveloped us, we felt ourselves internalizing this permission, allowing it to seep into every fiber of our being. Through a powerful visualization, we connected with the image of a newborn longing for love and care being held by a nurturing parent. Then, tenderly, we saw ourselves as the infant, experiencing the profound sensation of being held, understood, and supported by Hashem's loving arms. With each breath, we sank deeper into this nurturing embrace, feeling the warmth and security reverberate through our bodies. Rena guided us to notice the subtle shifts within us, as we surrendered to the embrace of infinite support and love. In this moment, we were cradled in Hashem's loving arms, feeling seen, heard, and cherished.

If you feel called to support my mission of promoting Menuchas Hanefesh and self-care, please consider one or more of the following.

1) Share this episode with a friend or family member you think would appreciate it.

2) Leave a review on your favorite podcast app or my website.

3) Send me an email or message with your experience listening to this.

4) Make a donation on my website: https://renareiser.com/product/the-daily-pause/

Thank you for your support!

Fascination with Sensations

In Rena's guided somatic mindfulness practice, we began by taking deep breaths, allowing our breath to serve as an invitation to slow down and connect with ourselves. We focused on sensing our bodies and how they were supported by the surface beneath us, inviting ourselves to settle even more. Then, we scanned our bodies with curiosity, noticing any sensations that called for our attention. With fascination, we explored these sensations without getting caught in thoughts or memories, simply being with them as they were. Throughout the practice, we learned to stay present with whatever arose, trusting that by doing so, we could release attachment and tension. We allowed ourselves to be fascinated by both our bodily sensations and the space around us, ultimately coming back to our breath with a sense of awareness and connection.

If you feel called to support my mission of promoting Menuchas Hanefesh and self-care, please consider one or more of the following.

1) Share this episode with a friend or family member you think would appreciate it.

2) Leave a review on your favorite podcast app or my website.

3) Send me an email or message with your experience listening to this.

4) Make a donation on my website: https://renareiser.com/product/the-daily-pause/

Thank you for your support!

Rewiring Emotional Escapes

In Rena's guided somatic mindfulness practice, we took deep breaths, feeling the nourishment of each inhale and exhale. We connected with our bodies, sensing their support and settling into them. Then, we recalled a moment of feeling dysregulated or overwhelmed, and instead of turning to distraction, we slowed down and tuned into our feelings. We explored where those emotions manifested in our bodies, and we gently engaged with them, finding just the right distance to experience them without being overwhelmed. We asked ourselves what we truly needed in that moment, without judgment or expectation. Imagining meeting those needs, we alternated between the discomfort of the unmet need and the relief of having it fulfilled, allowing these sensations to flow through us. Through this practice, we learned to listen to our bodies and meet our needs with compassion and understanding.

If you feel called to support my mission of promoting Menuchas Hanefesh and self-care, please consider one or more of the following.

1) Share this episode with a friend or family member you think would appreciate it.

2) Leave a review on your favorite podcast app or my website.

3) Send me an email or message with your experience listening to this.

4) Make a donation on my website: https://renareiser.com/product/the-daily-pause/

Thank you for your support!

Accepting My Parts As They Are: No Change Needed

In Rena's guided somatic mindfulness practice, we embarked on a journey of deepening our connection to our bodies and the present moment. We began with breath awareness, inviting each inhale and exhale to guide us deeper into ourselves. As we settled into our bodies, we observed sensations without judgment, allowing them to simply exist. With gentle curiosity, we explored the landscape of our inner selves, meeting sensations with compassion and acceptance. We listened attentively to the messages our bodies shared, honoring their wisdom without the need for them to change. Through this practice of deep listening and acceptance, we cultivated a profound sense of presence and understanding within ourselves. Here, we found a sanctuary of self-awareness and empathy, where every sensation and emotion was welcomed with open arms.

If you feel called to support my mission of promoting Menuchas Hanefesh and self-care, please consider one or more of the following.

1) Share this episode with a friend or family member you think would appreciate it.

2) Leave a review on your favorite podcast app or my website.

3) Send me an email or message with your experience listening to this.

4) Make a donation on my website: https://renareiser.com/product/the-daily-pause/

Thank you for your support!