The Embodied Jewish Woman with Rena Reiser Rena Reiser

Affirming Our Worth: Healing Through Perceived Failure
As Rena guided us, we started by honoring our breath, allowing it to resonate freely within us. It was a gentle reminder that it was okay to slow down, to grant ourselves the time we needed. With each breath, we rooted ourselves into the present moment, feeling the support of the surface beneath us. We were invited to confront moments of perceived failure as it related to preparing for Pesach, acknowledging any self-judgments. Then, we summoned the image of a supportive figure, real or imagined, and absorbed their affirmations into our being. Their words echoed within us, filling us with warmth and acceptance. We took the words of this person and multiplied their impact exponentially when offered by Hashem, enriching our experience of acceptance and love.
If you feel called to support my mission of promoting Menuchas Hanefesh and self-care, donations are gratefully accepted on my website: https://renareiser.com/product/the-daily-pause/

Finding Freedom in the Body
In Rena's guided somatic mindfulness practice, we begin by taking deep breaths, acknowledging the life force within us. With each inhale and exhale, we feel Hashem sustaining us. We tune into our bodies, feeling the support of the surface beneath us, allowing ourselves to settle and rest. This time is dedicated solely to ourselves, letting go of everything else. Rena invites us to bring to mind a challenging aspect of Pesach preparation, observing where and how we feel it in our bodies. We zoom in on these sensations, exploring them from different angles. Then, we shift focus to the purpose behind our challenges, aiming for a sense of Cherus / freedom. We recall moments of true freedom and Hashem's safety, feeling expansiveness in our bodies. Gradually, we zoom out, embracing the full experience of freedom. Finally, we reimagine the challenge enveloped in the sense of freedom, finding strength and renewal within ourselves. We choose a word to carry with us, reminding us that even in tough times, we can tap into a sense of spaciousness and capability. Rena encourages us to stay in this space for as long as we need, honoring our bodies' rhythms.
If you feel called to support my mission of promoting Menuchas Hanefesh and self-care, donations are gratefully accepted on my website: https://renareiser.com/product/the-daily-pause/




 

Embodied Inner Conflict
In Rena's guided somatic mindfulness practice, we embarked on a journey of self-awareness and embodiment. Beginning with deep breaths, we tuned into the quality of our breath, noticing its pace and depth. With gentle guidance, we invited our bodies to settle and relax, feeling the surface beneath us. Acknowledging inner conflicts, we explored the tensions between our desires, allowing each part to express its needs fully. As we listened, we observed how these conflicts manifested within our bodies, embracing the sensations and emotions that arose. Through this process of dialogue and introspection, we learned to hold space for both sides of the conflict simultaneously, honoring the complexity of our experience. In this practice, we found unity within ourselves, inviting a solution that respects all aspects of our being.
If you feel called to support my mission of promoting Menuchas Hanefesh and self-care, donations are gratefully accepted on my website: https://renareiser.com/product/the-daily-pause/

Deepening Our Relationship Within
In Rena's soothing guidance, we begin with deep breaths, each inhale reminding us that Hashem is breathing life into us in every moment. As we sense our bodies, supported and safe, we invite relaxation, signaling to our nervous systems that we are okay. We check in, inviting our bodies to speak, noticing sensations, emotions, or memories as they surface. With gentle curiosity, we come into relationship with these inner experiences, welcoming them without judgment. We explore their origins, listening with acceptance to their messages, finding familiarity in their whispers from the past. With compassion, we offer what is needed, acknowledging the innocence and vulnerability within. As we return to our day, we carry these insights, allowing them to deepen our understanding of ourselves. We linger in this space of connection, honoring what arises, for as long as it serves us and our bodies.




 

Preparing for Shabbos in Hashem's Care
In Rena's guided somatic mindfulness practice, we journeyed inward, taking deep breaths and tuning into the sensations of our bodies. We acknowledged the weight of our responsibilities in getting ready for Shabbos (and Pesach), feeling the body's response to our to-do lists. Then, Rena gently guided us to consider our own needs amidst the chaos, like a shepherd tending to their flock. We envisioned ourselves as cared for and guided, knowing that Hashem is the most devoted shepherd, ensuring we lack nothing. With each breath, we relaxed into His nurturing presence, carrying this assurance with us through the day and week ahead.

Hashem's Loving Support: Harnessing Oxytocin for Self-Nurturing
In Rena's guided somatic mindfulness practice, we start by taking deep breaths, allowing our breath to flow naturally without forcing it. This gentle reminder encourages us to slow down, rest, and relax. We connect with our body's physical sensations, feeling the support of the surface beneath us and allowing ourselves to sink a little deeper into it. Rena introduces the intention of increasing our oxytocin, the hormone associated with love and connection. We generate warmth by rubbing our hands together and then place them on various parts of our body, providing extra support and inviting the release of stress through increasing our oxytocin. We hold ourselves with care, imagining being embraced by Hashem's loving arms, finding a comfortable position where we can let go and relax, seeking support, and expressing our needs. Through deep breaths and continued hand rubbing, we create warmth and physical support, allowing ourselves to be held. We conclude by acknowledging the shift in our breath and remaining in this space as long as it feels right.