Body Scan Blessing

Written for the UWorship (2024) resource published by the UKirk Collegiate Ministries Association. The whole resource is available here. Note: it’s written so it can be led with other people. Obviously if you’re just reading and practicing for yourself you can skip the “close your eyes” part…

Sitting comfortably with your feet on the ground, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.

In…and out. In…and out. In…and out.

Feel your feet. The shoes that cover them. The ground beneath them. Remember the places that are holy ground to you.
What is it that makes them feel sacred?
Give thanks for your feet.

Feel your legs, from ankle to calf, from knee to hip.
Think about the places they have carried you.
Where you have been on your way here; where you hope you will go. Give thanks for your legs.

Feel your stomach.
What is nourishing you right now? What is unsettling you?
Give thanks for your stomach.

Feel your lungs, expanding and contracting, the wind and breath and spirit of God saying: “I am here, with you.” “I am here, with you.”
“I am here, with you.”
Give thanks for your lungs.

Feel your heart beat, whether it is quick or calm. What is breaking your heart right now? What, big or small, helps mend it? Give thanks for your heart.

Feel your hands – padded fingertips, wrinkly knuckles, lined palms. What or who holds you steady?
What might you be holding onto too tightly?
Give thanks for your hands.

Feel your arms, from wrist, to elbow, to shoulder. Remember the people and places that have embraced you. Consider ways you might offer those spaces to others. Give thanks for your arms.

Feel your head – neck to chin, mouth to nose, ears, eyes, forehead and scalp. Remember all the new things that you learned today
Remember all the food you tasted and smelled, the sights and sounds you experienced. Give thanks for your head.

Open your eyes.

Give thanks for the beloved creation that is your whole self. Breathe in…and out. In…and out. In…and out.
Amen.