How to use your body to soothe your mind.

Calm Practice

Legs Up The Wall

All you need for this practice is a wall and your beautiful body!

The benefits of this practice include: calming our mind and nervous system; supporting our lymphatic system and circulation; slowing our breathing; improving digestion; easing back aches; and improving our sleep.

Here’s how!

Lie on your back (supine position) and move your bottom next to the wall and your legs up the wall. You can slide a pillow or folded blanket under your hips or drape a blanket over yourself, if you desire. Settle in this resting position for 2 – 20 minutes. 

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Last year I added this practice to my nighttime stretch routine listening to a 5 – 10 minute guided meditation. When my beloved Cali 🐱noticed my legs move up the wall, she left her spot on the couch and walked over to lay by my side – and sometimes on top of my chest! After her passing in April 2024, I continued this practice placing her clay paw print next to my heart in remembrance. 

I returned to this practice a couple weeks ago as a final calming moment of the day just before climbing in bed. I listen to a favorite 5-minute Relaxing Meditation with Kristin McGee on the Peloton App. I sync my breath with the words of this mantra, “Eb and Flow, Come and Go.”

Listen to this short guided meditation (or choose among countless others on the Peloton App) while giving this calming practice a try!

 

 

 

 

 

Reference

Ballagh, R. (2024). Cat Cow. 101 Ways to Find Calm: How to Use Your Body to Soothe Your Mind. P. 52-53.