Today we are going to profoundly relax our bodies and our minds.

Our physical health and our emotional health are intimately intertwined in what is known as the mind-body connection. In Sophrology we make use of this connection and the way our body responds to stress by increasing our present body awareness. Where does, what affects you on a daily basis, physically, mentally, or emotionally, express itself in your body?

One way to improve the mind-body connection is by meditating. Mindfulness meditation techniques are incorporated in Sophrology, the science of consciousness in harmony, developed by neuropsychiatrist Alphonso Caycedo.

Using the five senses — sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch —  in sophrology practice helps us to observe, slow down and live in the moment.

That placing our attention on our five senses helps us ease mental anxiety and muscle tension is a well-known principle also used in float tank therapy. The isolation tank was developed in the fifties by John C. Lilly, a medical practitioner and also a neuropsychiatrist.

We used to call it the "sensory deprivation" tank, but nowadays we prefer the term "flotation-REST" (reduced environmental stimulation therapy) because floating in an isolation tank actually enhances sensory input from the body ( like cardiorespiratory sensations).

This inspired me to create a guided meditation called “The body of water” that I have used during group relaxation work. You are very welcome to share this meditation provided that you mention where it came from.