Intro

Welcome to Hopework #9.

You will need 15 minutes and space to move your body in. This assignment is focused on calming. #hopework #HopeworkSet9

When we are able to slow down and notice what is happening in our bodies, we nurture our capacity to imagine hopeful futures. Sometimes it is uncomfortable reconnecting with ourselves. If you find that to be the case, notice instead the surface you are sitting on, the quality of the light around you, or the feel of the ground beneath your hands or feet.

#HopefulFutures

 Step-by-step

1) Find a place where you can safely and comfortably hold your arms out to make a T-shape with your body. If it is easier to do a movement exercise while laying or sitting down, please do so. 

If mobility is restricted or when movement is not desired or possible, consider doing this exercise in your imagination as I do not recommend doing this exercise with an assistant due to some of the directives. Safety first.

Here are some journal prompts inspired by the exercise to get you started:

• Check in with your body, does it feel different after the exercise or the same as before?
• What do you notice in your body right now?
• Did you like this exercise? Why or why not?
• What was the biggest surprise from this exercise?

After you finish writing, feel free to read what you wrote and add to it if you feel moved to do so.

2) Open the Smiling Mind app. Go here if you don’t already have the app.

3) We will be using the Swaying Tree exercise.

a. Return to the Year 1 Classroom.

b. Select Swaying Tree.

4) Get comfortable then hit play.

5) Take the remainder of your 15 minutes to write down a few sentences or words about your experience with this exercise. 

Here are some journal prompts inspired by the exercise to get you started:

• • Check in with your body, does it feel different after the exercise or the same as before?
  • What do you notice in your body right now?
  • Did you like this exercise? Why or why not?
  • What was the biggest surprise from this exercise?

After you finish writing, feel free to read what you wrote and add to it if you feel moved to do so.

Extra hopework: Try listening to Swaying Tree, Exploring Tastes, Belly Breathing, or Glowing Bubble Breathing once a day this week.

Try to remember: We don’t have to always hold the knowing of this calming for ourselves. We can allow others to remind us and be a reminder to others.