The Embodied Jewish Woman with Rena Reiser Rena Reiser

Accepting My Parts As They Are: No Change Needed
In Rena's guided somatic mindfulness practice, we embarked on a journey of deepening our connection to our bodies and the present moment. We began with breath awareness, inviting each inhale and exhale to guide us deeper into ourselves. As we settled into our bodies, we observed sensations without judgment, allowing them to simply exist. With gentle curiosity, we explored the landscape of our inner selves, meeting sensations with compassion and acceptance. We listened attentively to the messages our bodies shared, honoring their wisdom without the need for them to change. Through this practice of deep listening and acceptance, we cultivated a profound sense of presence and understanding within ourselves. Here, we found a sanctuary of self-awareness and empathy, where every sensation and emotion was welcomed with open arms.
If you feel called to support my mission of promoting Menuchas Hanefesh and self-care, please consider one or more of the following. 
1) Share this episode with a friend or family member you think would appreciate it.
2) Leave a review on your favorite podcast app or my website.
3) Send me an email or message with your experience listening to this.
4) Make a donation on my website: https://renareiser.com/product/the-daily-pause/
Thank you for your support!

Past & Present Integration
In Rena's guided somatic mindfulness practice, we started with gentle breath awareness, observing its temperature, pace, and depth without trying to alter it. Gradually, we shifted our focus to the sensations of our bodies, feeling the support beneath us and inviting further relaxation. With compassion, we explored the emotions and memories evoked by our Shabbos preparation to-do lists, acknowledging past experiences and needs left unmet. Through gentle inquiry and visualization, we tenderly addressed these unmet needs, allowing ourselves to imagine fulfillment and seeking support from Hashem. As we imagined preparing for the upcoming Shabbos, we bridged the past with the present, recognizing that while some needs went unmet before, we now have the power to try to meet them with Hashem's help.
If you feel called to support my mission of promoting Menuchas Hanefesh and self-care, please consider one or more of the following. 
1) Share this episode with a friend or family member you think would appreciate it.
2) Leave a review on your favorite podcast app or my website.
3) Send me an email or message with your experience listening to this.
4) Make a donation on my website: https://renareiser.com/product/the-daily-pause/
Thank you for your support!

Focusing on Body Sensations
During Rena's guided somatic mindfulness practice, we began by taking deep breaths, allowing ourselves to notice the depth of each inhale without forcing any change. She guided us to feel the support of the surface beneath us, inviting our bodies to settle into it gradually. We focused intently on the part of our bodies most connected to the surface, acknowledging the sensations of support and comfort. Later, we shifted our focus to any sensations or physical pain within our bodies, zooming in on these experiences with gentle awareness. With each breath, we explored these sensations, allowing thoughts and emotions to arise and pass. Then, we expanded our awareness to include the space around these sensations, noticing any shifts or changes. Through this practice, we cultivated a sense of embodied presence, anchoring ourselves in the present moment.
If you feel called to support my mission of promoting Menuchas Hanefesh and self-care, please consider one or more of the following. 
1) Share this episode with a friend or family member you think would appreciate it.
2) Leave a review on your favorite podcast app or my website.
3) Send me an email or message with your experience listening to this.
4) Make a donation on my website: https://renareiser.com/product/the-daily-pause/
Thank you for your support!

Harmonizing Dichotomy
During Rena's guided somatic mindfulness practice, we journeyed inward, inviting our breath to echo in the present moment. We paused to notice the compassionate, loving way we could be with ourselves, feeling the depth and fullness of each breath. As we sank into our bodies, we acknowledged our current starting point and envisioned our ultimate goals, sensing the distance between them. Shifting between the present and the future, we allowed ourselves to experience both extremes, staying connected with compassion. Returning to the present, we focused on the next step, feeling relief and completion in each movement forward. We remained with these sensations, honoring our pace and connection with ourselves.
If you feel called to support my mission of promoting Menuchas Hanefesh and self-care, please consider one or more of the following. 
1) Share this episode with a friend or family member you think would appreciate it.
2) Leave a review on your favorite podcast app or my website.
3) Send me an email or message with your experience listening to this.
4) Make a donation on my website: https://renareiser.com/product/the-daily-pause/
Thank you for your support!

Hunger Pains: An Exploration of Inner Longing
We began by taking a few deep breaths, letting each exhale release a bit more tension. We invited our breath to fill us deeply, from stomach to chest, noticing which parts of our body welcomed it with gratitude and which struggled. As we settled into our bodies, we envisioned a scene in a restaurant, where we or another person hesitated over what to order. This metaphorical scene served as a poignant reflection of our inner landscape, where we often grapple with decisions and desires, which cannot be met unless we are first aware of what we're desiring. Like the patient waitress, we listened to our body's needs—physical, emotional, spiritual—sensing where hunger resided and what it desired. With compassion, we explored the origins of this hunger and what might satisfy it, allowing our bodies to speak their truth. Finally, we imagined fulfilling these needs, observing the ripple effects on our body and mind. We remained in this nurturing space, honoring ourselves for as long as it served us. 
If you feel called to support my mission of promoting Menuchas Hanefesh and self-care, please consider one or more of the following. 
1) Share this episode with a friend or family member you think would appreciate it.
2) Leave a review on your favorite podcast app or my website.
3) Send me an email or message with your experience listening to this.
4) Make a donation on my website: https://renareiser.com/product/the-daily-pause/
Thank you for your support!

Mindful Release
Together, we embark on a journey of somatic mindfulness with Rena as our guide. We start by taking deep breaths, allowing each inhale and exhale to flow naturally. We connect with our bodies, feeling the support beneath us, and gently releasing any tension without force. Placing our hands on our face and chest, we hold ourselves with warmth and compassion, reassuring our system that we are safe. Reflecting on the recent weeks of preparing for Pesach and Pesach itself, we acknowledge the cycle of chores and responsibilities, observing any thoughts, emotions, memories, or sensations that arise within us. We create space to separate ourselves from these experiences, allowing them to exist as they are. With Rena's gentle encouragement, we explore movement or sound, expressing our emotions mindfully and intentionally. We listen to our bodies, honoring their needs and pausing when necessary. As we return our hands to our face and chest, we take a deep breath, remaining present, in tune with ourselves, embracing each moment with acceptance and openness.
If you feel called to support my mission of promoting Menuchas Hanefesh and self-care, please consider one or more of the following. 
1) Share this episode with a friend or family member you think would appreciate it.
2) Leave a review on your favorite podcast app or my website.
3) Make a donation on my website: https://renareiser.com/product/the-daily-pause/
Thank you for your support!