
Meditation Library
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MindfulnessBeginner
Body Scan Meditation
A guided practice of moving attention slowly through the body, noticing sensations without judgment.
15-30 minutes
Best For
BeginnersSleep preparationStress releaseBody tension
Benefits
- Releases stored tension
- Deep body awareness
- Improves sleep
- Reduces chronic pain
- Grounds an overactive mind
How It Works
Attention moves systematically from toes to head (or reverse), observing sensations in each region, building interoception and releasing held tension.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1
Lie down comfortably, close eyes
- 2
Bring attention to the toes of the left foot
- 3
Notice sensations, temperature, contact, or nothing
- 4
Move attention slowly up the left leg, then right
- 5
Continue through torso, arms, neck and head
- 6
Notice the body as a whole to close
Common Mistakes
- Trying to relax rather than observe
- Moving too fast through body parts
- Judging areas with no sensation
- Falling asleep (if so, practice seated)
History
Central to Jon Kabat-Zinn's Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program developed in 1979.
Origin
Modern mindfulness movement