Anger in my life hits me in the chest. I allow the fire to spread to my limbs. I observe and attend. Sadness in my life grips my stomach. I allow it to devour my body as I cry out. I observe and attend. Guilt in my life empties my throat. I let it wrench my guts and weaken my knees. I observe and attend. Joy in my life blossoms in my heart. I allow it to melt my bones. I observe and attend.
This poem encompasses my learnings from a particularly effective therapy I did call ISTDP (intensive short term dynamic psychotherapy). It emphasizes a deep and intimate connection of the mind and body. It's changed my life, so I wanted to share a bit about it.