The Embodied Jewish Woman with Rena Reiser

Preparing for Shabbos in Hashem's Care

In Rena's guided somatic mindfulness practice, we journeyed inward, taking deep breaths and tuning into the sensations of our bodies. We acknowledged the weight of our responsibilities in getting ready for Shabbos (and Pesach), feeling the body's response to our to-do lists. Then, Rena gently guided us to consider our own needs amidst the chaos, like a shepherd tending to their flock. We envisioned ourselves as cared for and guided, knowing that Hashem is the most devoted shepherd, ensuring we lack nothing. With each breath, we relaxed into His nurturing presence, carrying this assurance with us through the day and week ahead.

Hashem's Loving Support: Harnessing Oxytocin for Self-Nurturing

In Rena's guided somatic mindfulness practice, we start by taking deep breaths, allowing our breath to flow naturally without forcing it. This gentle reminder encourages us to slow down, rest, and relax. We connect with our body's physical sensations, feeling the support of the surface beneath us and allowing ourselves to sink a little deeper into it. Rena introduces the intention of increasing our oxytocin, the hormone associated with love and connection. We generate warmth by rubbing our hands together and then place them on various parts of our body, providing extra support and inviting the release of stress through increasing our oxytocin. We hold ourselves with care, imagining being embraced by Hashem's loving arms, finding a comfortable position where we can let go and relax, seeking support, and expressing our needs. Through deep breaths and continued hand rubbing, we create warmth and physical support, allowing ourselves to be held. We conclude by acknowledging the shift in our breath and remaining in this space as long as it feels right.

Sensory Awareness: Deepening Our Connection

In Rena's guided somatic mindfulness practice, we begin by anchoring ourselves with deep breaths, letting each inhale and exhale serve as a gentle reminder that we can slow down and rest when needed, feeling the support of the surface beneath us. As we bring awareness to our thoughts, Rena invites us to notice how they manifest in our bodies, without delving too deeply. We allow our attention to defocus, embracing the sensations, thoughts, and emotions within us. Recalling the day's discussions, we bring them into our bodies, sensing their impact. With compassion, we hold these experiences, allowing them to unfold naturally. Rena invites us to focus on what demands our attention now, offering it compassion, asking what it needs from us today. We carry this awareness with us, nurturing ourselves in small doses throughout the day, staying connected to our bodies as best we can.

Embodying Courage

As we begin, we take a few deep breaths, grounding ourselves with each inhale and exhale. We remind ourselves that it's okay to relax, to give ourselves permission for a moment of respite. We settle into our space, feeling the support beneath us, allowing our bodies to rest into it just a little bit more. Now, Rena gently guides us to bring to mind a situation that's safe yet mildly stressful, something challenging or even a bit scary that we're planning to do. We envision ourselves in that moment, noticing the surroundings, the people, and most importantly, the sensations within our bodies. We hold this experience delicately, finding the right distance to be present with it. Then, we shift our focus to envisioning ourselves on the other side, having completed the action, feeling proud and confident. Back and forth we go, acknowledging the fear and stress before, then the sense of accomplishment after. Rena encourages us to ask ourselves what we need to move through this fear, to find calmness and regulation within ourselves. We carry this newfound insight into facing our challenges, staying present in our bodies as we move forward.

Beneath "How Are You?": A Deep Dive into Self-Inquiry

We embark on a journey of deepening connection with ourselves through somatic mindfulness guided by Rena. With gentle breaths, we signal to our entire being that it's okay to slow down, to truly check in. Whether sitting, reclining, or lying, we invite our bodies to settle as we assess the state of our nervous system, acknowledging if we're calm, in fight or flight, shutdown, or somewhere in between. We pose the question, "How are you?" and bravely allow all that arises to surface, noticing where sensations reside within. With compassionate curiosity, we explore these feelings, asking what they signify and what longings they hold. Finally, we inquire how we can support ourselves in fulfilling those needs, listening attentively to our inner voice.

Grounding into Presence with Preparing for Shabbos

In Rena's guided somatic mindfulness practice, we start by taking a few deep breaths, inviting our breath to signal to all of us that it's okay to relax and let go. We focus on sensing our bodies and the support of the surface beneath us, acknowledging everything that needs to happen between now and later. We lean into triggers that prompt us to drift into autopilot, allowing ourselves to ground into the present moment. We push our feet into the floor, feel our pulse, and gently massage our face and arms, connecting with ourselves in the here and now. We take a moment to check in with ourselves, asking what we need to move forward with a sense of peace and inner tranquility. With each practice, we reinforce our ability to stay connected to ourselves, no matter the circumstances.

Embracing Hashem's Support

We begin by drawing in a few deep breaths, allowing each inhale and exhale to wash through our being, and acknowledge the support beneath us. With gentle encouragement, we bring to mind a current life challenge, noticing where it resides within us. As Rena leads us, we imagine Hashem holding that part of ourselves, providing a sense of security and comfort. With each breath, we surrender a little more, sinking into Hashem's loving embrace. We recognize the importance of prioritizing our own needs, allowing ourselves to relax into the support offered. As the session unfolds, we reflect on what more we might require to fully embrace Hashem's support. Without judgment, we welcome whatever arises, integrating it into our being. Finally, Rena invites us to find a word or symbol to anchor this experience, a reminder of Hashem's support and love available whenever we need it.

Wrapped in Love: A Guided Embodiment Experience

In Rena's guided somatic mindfulness practice, we began with grounding breaths, focusing on our heartspace and the rhythm of our breath. Then, we brought to mind three sources of love: our own heart's affection, a loved one, and Hashem's boundless love. With each breath, we immersed ourselves in the warmth of these connections, feeling their presence within us. As our focus softened, we surrendered to the collective embrace of love, allowing it to saturate our entire being. In this state of openness, we observed the sensations in our bodies and minds, noticing how love impacted us. We remained in this space, enveloped in love's nurturing presence, for as long as it felt right for each of us.

In Rena's guided somatic mindfulness practice, we begin by taking deep breaths, inviting our bodies to relax. We explore situations where we've said yes when we wished we'd said no, feeling the responses in our bodies and nervous systems. Then, we imagine saying no, noticing the contrast in sensations. Back and forth we go, between yes and no, sensing how each feels within us. We hold both choices separately, not merging them but acknowledging their presence. We find empowerment in realizing our ability to choose our responses. Rena encourages us to carry this awareness forward, practicing until assertiveness becomes natural.

Sensing Potency: A Guided Embodiment Practice

Rena leads us through a journey of somatic mindfulness, beginning with grounding breaths and gentle self-holding. As we delve into body scans, we awaken to the potency within each sensation. With curiosity and trust, we explore our emotions, allowing them space to unfold. Through intentional poses, we embody the desires pulsating within, witnessing their power.