"I Am Willing"
A mindfulness practice to cultivate acceptance of difficult emotions through gentle self-permission.
Why it works
Granting permission to parts of your psyche that may have resisted welcoming emotions or sensations in the past allows emotional fluidity and release.
How to practice
1. Settle into a comfortable position. 2. Scan your body for areas of tension or resistance. 3. When you locate a contracted area, place gentle attention there. 4. Softly speak or think the words "I am willing" or "I am willing to be with this exactly as it is." 5. Notice what happens in response. 6. If you sense resistance, allow it and add "I am willing to feel this, too." 7. Continue for 2-3 minutes, moving to different areas as needed. 8. End by taking a moment to notice any shifts in your overall state.
Good to know
- The key is allowing difficult emotions rather than trying to resist or "fix" them. It's not about making emotions go away—it's about being with whatever is present. Willingness doesn't mean you have to like or want what's happening, just that you're open to experiencing it.
- This activity pairs well with Somatic Surfing.
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