Lately I've become increasingly aware how much I hold myself back from natural arising actions/feelings - movements, stretches, yawns, satisfaction noises - my suspicion is that it is out of some hidden fear of being judged for being too expressive.
It's like I hold back because I want to be 'polite' to others around me who may be offended by freedom somehow. Half the time there is no-one else even around me anyway so it's like a leash I am holding around my own neck.
The 'mmm's' of good food and the 'aaaah's' of a good stretch!
So I started to make conscious effort to start notice these little moments and I'm starting to LEANING Into Them and DAMN IT FEELS GOOD!
The most satisfying one is the classic pandiculation/yawn stretch, I notice when my body is starting to do it and I focus fully on it and go all the way into it. Contract the muscles that want to contract, take the breath that want's to happen, make the noise that wants to be sounded!
I am now also that weirdo at yoga who is making satisfaction noises with the stretches but I tell you THEY ARE PART OF THE POSTURE!
HOMEWORK...
Simply this, to notice these moments in your day - yawns, natural stretches, good food, orgasm (heck even sneezes is a big one I notice people hold back on) - and steer right into them! This isn't about faking it but about being like that Child who has no fear of full expression of everything that arises.
Happy opening!
Tim
