Mind Tools & Inspirations: Safe as a giant clam
Most of the day a giant clam’s shell is open, allowing it to feed on tiny plankton in the water. When clams sense a threat, they close their shell to be safe and protected.
In this 3-minute practice you connect with feeling safe and protected.
TRY THIS…
If you have time, let me guide you so you can focus on your experience.
HERE IS THE PRACTICE
Sit comfortably and close your eyes.
Bring your palms together.
Feel your palms touching.
Pressing against each other gently.
The next time you inhale move your hands apart, releasing the pressure, releasing the touch.
Exhale slowly, pressing your palms together gently.
As you inhale relax your hands.
As you exhale press your palms together.
Then sit comfortably.
Most of the day a giant clam’s shell is open.
When the clam senses a threat, they close their shell to be safe and protected.
Have your hands in your lap, palms open.
Breathe in this position.
Now bring your palms together gently, closing your shell.
Continue to keep your palms together as you breathe, exploring the sensations in your hands and in your arms.
Open your hands, opening your shell. Continue to have your hands open and relaxed.
Again bring your palms together, pressing gently, closing your shell.
Gently release your hands and bring your attention back.
Connect with how it feels when you feel safe and protected.
The next time you exhale, press your palms together gently.
As you inhale, let your hands move apart.
Exhale, pressing your palms together.
Then relax your hands.
Let your hands move in any way they want to move to release any tension.
WHY DO THIS?
Imagine having your inner clam always with you. Imagine being able to close your shell to feel safe and protected.
Gently pressing your palms together can remind you of this practice.
Doing this practice over time can help you access that part of you that is always safe, regardless of what is happening in the world around you.
Mind Tools & Inspirations are experiences for busy, smart, curious people to help you operate your human system.
To access the full set of Mind Tools visit https://substack.com/@yogamindtools
I add a new experience every week.
Kindly,
Carrie
Carrie Heeter, PhD
Yoga Mind Tools
I liked this experience. I had this feeling at first of wanting to have my shell open because closing it somehow felt like I was shutting things out but then it felt really great to remember that your personal energy isn’t always meant for everyone. It’s okay to “close your shell” and cut yourself off from energy that may not be right for you in the moment or maybe your energy might not be right for others. It’s nice to feel protected, happy as a clam, so to speak.
Thank you Carrie
I want my clam shell to remain open as much as possible. No fear just the now!