I joined a class in sophrologie, a version of mindfulness with a French twist.
The concept
Sophrologie is a blend of wellness practices, including Buddhist meditation, Zen and gentle movements based in body awareness.
The class
We took our seats in a semicircle and listened to the teacher’s explanation of the practice and followed her in focusing on the breath, which she said is a good place to start because it is always with us (“Toujours avec soi”). We went slowly through seldom-used movements of the shoulders, diaphragm and wrists that led to grounding in the present and linking and returning of one’s mental state to the senses.
The teacher
The teacher was a woman who spoke in a mix of French and charmingly imperfect English. She is from Paris, where I am heading soon for 3-4 months to hone my French oral communication. I might find a group just like this.
With our eyes closed, we had only to release endlessly humming inner preoccupations with the outside world and be guided by her voice as she repeated, “Inspirez… Retenez… Et détendez.” (“Inhale… Hold… And relax.”)
Last word
I am more and more open to practices like these: disciplines that are focused on health but have an expressive/aesthetic side and are thus a humanistic pursuit. I like these in-person groups that center the mind/body in direct experience.
About the photo
Hiking outside Bremerton, WA, with a friend who is a new dad.
pseudoisaac 