The Shoulder Experiment - Tight, tense shoulders

Earlier in the week, our Yoga teacher must have said a dozen times, in different ways, "Let your shoulders relax," as she paced the studio floor and gave us instructions on some gentle, flowing postures.


I felt as if it was just for me, since EVERY time she said:


Let your shoulders melt.
Let your shoulders be heavy.
Let your shoulders relax...


I found mine had crept back up so high that I could have very well worn them as earrings!

Photo Courtesy of Lifestyle for Health

Repeatedly, the tension in my shoulders reappeared, and repeatedly, I was stunned to find that, yet again, I had tensed up, unaware.


The experience really made me think. I made a commitment to, over the next few days, randomly notice my shoulders through out the day and give myself the same, gentle reminders:



Let your shoulders melt.
Let your shoulders be heavy.
Let your shoulders relax...


At first, every time I brought my shoulders into my awareness, I noticed that they were tight, tense, and that my posture was affected.


Today was the first time that I really noticed that they have been staying down...a little less tense.


I also noticed that no one (including me) told me to "put your shoulders down." Rather, there was a compassionate allowing of "Let your shoulders..."


My body and mind seem to be responding well to this.


What are you experiencing in your body that could use some more attention and compassion?

Namaste.