Chapter 1: The Multilingual Body

When we think about the body, we think about a lot of things. We think about my body, our bodies, the earth’s body, and even the universe’s body. We are all interconnected, and everybody plays its part, just like in our own bodies. Our lungs, hearts, and kidneys all play a role, just like all of us. So when I ask where your body is, the answer is that we are all here. We feel tired when others are tired, and we feel excited when others are excited. It’s within all of us. We have the capacity, but we must be aware of where we’re starting from.

Chapter 2: The Joy and Beauty of the Body

The body is a multilingual being. It speaks through its color and temperature, through recognition and love, pain and arousal. It speaks through its constant tiny dance, swaying, jittering, and trembling. The body speaks through the leaping of the heart, the falling of the spirit, the pit at the center, and the rising hope. It remembers, just like our bones remember and our joints remember. Memory is lodged in pictures, in feelings, in the very cells themselves. Every part of our body contributes to its beauty and value, and to dismiss any part of it is to deprive the body of its rightful spirit, its rightful form, and its right to exaltation. All forms of beauty should be embraced.

Chapter 3: Grounding and Connecting with the Body

Let’s start by connecting with our bodies. Please stand up, feet wide and slightly pigeon-toed. Hold onto your belly or heart, and begin a gentle bounce. Feel the collective body, knowing that we all experience various emotions and sensations at the same time. Acknowledge any words or stories spoken over your body in the past, and consider loosening your attachment to them. Breathe together, inhaling deeply and exhaling fully, feeling grounded and connected.

Chapter 4: Breathing and Connecting with the Body

Finding our breath is an essential practice for connecting with our bodies. Inhale deeply, counting to four, and exhale fully, counting to five. Repeat this breathing pattern, allowing the breath to fill your entire body. Pay attention to the sensations and surrender to the breath, releasing any tension or attachment. As you exhale, let go of any labels or judgments placed upon your body. Embrace the instinctive nature of your body and spirit, valuing vitality and endurance over appearances.

Chapter 5: Exploring Movement and Balance

We will now explore movement and balance in yoga postures. Step your right foot wide and lower the back knee. Place your fingertips on either side of your front foot and lengthen your spine. Then, interlace your fingers on your right thigh and push down, lifting your gaze and opening your heart. Finish the circle with a twist and release the hand back to the floor. Repeat on the other side. Find your warrior one and warrior two postures, allowing your body to move with grace and strength. Embrace the wider circle that encompasses all forms of beauty, form, and function.

Chapter 6: Embracing Individuality and Letting go of Attachments

In this practice, let go of any attachment to stories or judgments that have been spoken over your body. Embrace your uniqueness and let go of the need for validation based on appearances. Instead, focus on being instinctive and responsive, valuing vitality, and enduring qualities. Widening your circle of acceptance will allow something bigger and more significant to find you.

Chapter 7: Opening the Heart and Radiating Joy

Inhale your arms up and overhead, opening your heart to the world. Exhale and fold forward, finding a halfway lift and a deep forward fold. Rise up to a chair pose and grab an imaginary pull-up bar. Rip the ground apart as you activate your strength. Extend into a heart-opener and complete the circle. Cultivate joy within yourself, knowing that joy belongs to everyone.

Chapter 8: Exploring the Body’s Strength and Flexibility

Find your strength and flexibility in yoga postures. Inhale your arms up and exhale into a forward fold. Move through a halfway lift and a plank pose. Lower down to the floor and engage your scapula with a gentle lift. Continue with a cat-cow sequence, melting halfway and pushing back up. Explore your body’s strength and stability while honoring its natural rhythms and abilities.

Chapter 9: Tapping into the Body’s Resilience and Magnificence

Tap into your body’s resilience and magnificence in yoga postures. Step your foot wide and lower the knee. Use a block to support your thigh and open your heart. Reach back and extend your front leg, activating the back leg. Embrace the warrior one and warrior two poses, feeling the strength and endurance of your body. Recognize the beauty and value of every part of your body and honor the natural rhythms and abilities it possesses.

Chapter 10: Embracing and Honoring the Body’s Journey

Embrace the journey of your body and honor its experiences. As you release tension and attachments, acknowledge the stories and words that have been spoken over your body. Choose to loosen your grip on these stories and empower yourself to create a wider circle of acceptance and self-love. Breathe deeply, finding stillness and connection within yourself.

Chapter 11: Finding Stillness and Connection with the Body

Find stillness and connection with your body in a restorative practice. Relax into child’s pose or lie down on your back with your knees bent. Close your eyes and allow your body to settle into the ground. Focus on your breath and release any tension or stress. Connect with your body, feeling its presence and acknowledging its journey.

Chapter 12: Closing with Gratitude and Self-Acceptance

Close your practice with gratitude and self-acceptance. Reflect on the journey you’ve taken, embracing your body’s resilience and magnificence. Express gratitude for your body and all that it allows you to experience. Acknowledge that anything or anyone that does not bring you alive is too small for you, and embrace the beauty and joy that belong to you.

As you lie in Savasana, take a moment to reflect on the words of David Whyte: “In the darkness and sweet confinement of your own aloneness, you will learn.” Embrace the darkness and stillness, knowing that you are not alone and that you are connected to a wider circle of love and acceptance. Breathe deeply and find peace within yourself.

With a deep sense of gratitude and self-acceptance, transition out of Savasana. Slowly come back to a seated position with your hands at your heart. Take a moment to set an intention for the rest of your day or your life, whether it’s letting go of old stories or embracing your true self. Close with a deep breath and a bow of gratitude.

Thank you for joining this practice of embracing the multilingual body. May you continue to connect with your body’s strength, resilience, and beauty in your everyday life.