If you’re sitting on the floor, sit with legs crossed in front of you, as in meditation posture. If in a chair, sit with feet flat on the floor.

Place your hands palms down gently on your thighs. Relax, and notice the weight of your bottom on your seat. As you read this exercise, take your time and allow a moment or two for each new instruction.

Feel the solidness of the earth underneath you. Next, feel the weight of the clothes on your skin, your socks, pants, and shirt. Notice how the contact shifts as you breathe.

Allow your ribcage, shoulders, neck and head to be gently uplifted, as if suspended by a tread at the top of your head. Feel the solidity of your body, and at the same time its lightness. Now notice the openness around you.

Sit like a mountain. Breathe and feel your body. From time to time come back to the feeling of your clothes on your skin, and just relax as you sit and breathe.

Do this exercise for ten or fifteen minutes, as often as you like.

By Craig Mollins