The formal practice for the B theme is the Body Scan, and there are several versions in the manual of varying lengths. When we practice mindfulness, we quickly recognize that the mind can be in the future or the past. However, the body is always in the present.

The set-up for Body Scan practice is important. Advance preparation is helpful in preparing materials so as not to disturb the flow of the lesson. Ideally, students lie on the floor on their backs for this practice so yoga mats and small blankets or throws to cover up are helpful. It’s also helpful to create enough space on the floor so students are not too close to each other.
Remember that we’re guiding students to move their minds through the body with curiosity, so this practice can be done while seated or even while standing up. There’s no requirement to do this while lying down, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t have the space for this. It’s connecting with the sensations in the body, with what the body is telling us, that’s important, and this can be done anywhere.

Instructions for set up and scripts for guiding this practice are in the manual. There are also trauma-informed practice guidelines in the manual, and a short version of the Body Scan is one of the audio files that can be assigned for home practice.

Let’s take a break now to practice a body scan ourselves.