To begin this release, sit or lie down. Find a shape that can unclench.
Whatever that looks like for you.
When the body feels ready, you may softly close your eyes.
With your eyes closed, make a fist. Then open it. That is the lesson.
First, the jaw. Clench gently. Then let it hang.
Lips soft. Tongue heavy. Teeth not touching.
What else is still clenched in the face?
Now the shoulders. Lift them toward the ears.
On the exhale, drop them farther than you think.
Let the shoulder blades slide down the back.
Now the belly. Stop holding it in.
And let it be a living rise and fall.
Continue now, noticing extra space in each place you unclenched.
Tension is effort that forgot to stop. You can stop.
What do you notice in jaw, shoulders, belly?
Just unclench. Accept. Allow. No bracing.
Keeping your eyes closed, include the air around the body.
The body can be at ease, even if the day is unfinished.
There is nothing to grip. Nothing to hold up.
If a place tightens again, that is okay. Open it once more.
Stay with jaw, shoulders, belly — three doors.
You let the body unclench. Including yourself.
Now let attention travel back. Keep the jaw soft as you return.
Open your eyes. Carry the unclench with you.