Practice Question

Do you notice any tension, agitation, heaviness, or any other form of discomfort in your body?

No. If you don’t find any discomfort in your body—which means you feel completely relaxed and open—then go to Practice 8: Cultivating Joy. This will help you strengthen the wellness you already feel.

Yes. Do you find the discomfort overwhelming? Do you feel exhausted? Are you able to stay present with it?

• Overwhelming. If it is overwhelming, try asking the part of yourself that feels distressed, “Can you step back a little so I can listen to you and try to help?” If that works, go to Practice 2: Self-Acceptance. If it still feels overwhelming, go to either Practice 7: Natural Compassion or Practice 8: Cultivating Joy, which will help you regulate the intensity of your feelings.
• Exhausted. This could indicate that your reservoir of joy and compassion is running low. If so, go to either Practice 7: Natural Compassion or Practice 8: Cultivating Joy.
• Can stay present. If you can stay present with it, go to Practice 2: Self-Acceptance.