Mindfulness Stretching is a somatic practice, it has one focus one’s attention on sensations within the physical body. It subscribes to the thinking that stress and trauma are held in one’s body and that addressing physical stress relieves and heals deep wounds and hurts.
Mindfulness Stretching is couched from a western scientific perspective (in contrast to yoga’s eastern mysticism). It attributes the benefits derived to a calming of the Vagus Nerve and the parasympathetic nervous system which is demonstrated by an increase in Heart Rate Variability.
It is highly accessible for a vigilant / frantic mind (or a meditation / mindfulness novice), as it distracts one from our internal dialogue with immediately tangible bodily sensations. All levels of flexibility are accommodated.
The practice also provides physical relief for many discomforts of a sedentary life and ageing generally, and it can assist people with ADHD, improving their ability to access their brain’s cognitive Executive Function thereby reducing impulsive behaviour.