I’ve noticed that to feel comfortable in the presence of another requires an inner steadiness and feeling at one with myself. This is more likely to happen if I sense friendliness and an absence of judgement from the other. But what can also block this feeling of relaxation is an inner critical voice which keeps tabs on how I’m doing, or whether I’m doing the right thing in the right way. This might be a familiar experience for you too.
This inner monitoring often kicks into action when we are around new people or in a situation where we are - or think we are - being measured or judged in some way. What a useful skill then, to be able to tune in more readily to the body’s signals and the habitual thinking patterns and to gently introduce a more grounded, balanced view. To be ok within ourselves whether the outer interaction is hostile or friendly.
A useful starting point is coming into the body in an open, receptive way and to simply sense what it is telling you. And we can also signal to the body that all is well through the way we attend to it – with patience and gentleness.
Try this short practices to help you to connect with the body.
