Body Scan

This body scan session, along with the last session on the breath, are two examples of what is called focused attention meditation. In this type of meditation, you direct your attention towards some object. In the last session, the object was a constant for the entirety of the practice: the breath. Throughout this body scan session, your focal point will instead shift multiple times as you concentrate on various parts of your body. But the fundamental principle of focused attention meditation remains the same. Strive to center your focus as closely as possible on each individual body part as directed.

During a body scan meditation, you may find that in certain areas of the body, you can’t feel any vivid sensations at all. For instance, it's often difficult to distinguish the individual toes of the feet, the sensations of each toe merging together. If this is the case with any body part for you, don’t be concerned. Notice the difficulty in feelings these sensations. What does it feel like to lack vivid sensations in an area of the body that you know exists? 

Call to Practice: Try this body scan guided meditation.