the unclenched sit

Somewhere on your body, right now, is a fist you do not know you are making. The jaw, most likely. The shoulders, riding two inches high since afternoon. The actual hands, curled around a phone that is not even in them.

Sit, and go looking for it.

Breathe in through the nose for a count of four, and use the in-breath as a torch — sweep it slowly over jaw, neck, shoulders, hands, belly.

Rest at the top, a heartbeat and a half.

Out for a slow count of six — and wherever you found the fist, let it open with the out-breath. Fingers uncurling. Jaw unlocking its gate.

Settle, then again. Three rounds, three findings, three openings.

The open palm has been this page's companion before — carved on every temple wall as the sign that says safe here. Tonight you make the mudra inward, one clenched place at a time. You can stop here.