When my son John was young, his coach would often say he'd fight with a paper bag. But then for reasons of his own, he changed direction along the way. Much later he took up a version of the body drop where, every time he got into his car, he would body drop and sit for five minutes with his hand on his chest and breathe. Some days he could be seen out there for 30 minutes or an hour, not asleep, but relaxed inside and healing.
Paul Reynolds
Paul guides the Body Drop, 7 minutes: John's story, then the practice. Watch it larger on YouTube
The Body Drop
Anytime, anywhere — let the weight of your body become real to you. Do a gravity sweep. Feel gravity in your feet, legs, hips, seat, pelvis. Work your way up to your shoulders. Finish with your hands. Do not include your head for now.
If you want a shorter version — just feel your weight on your feet or your seat.
Then ask yourself: Can I drop down more? Allow and feel for a moment and move on.
If you want to do John's version, place a hand on your heart and breathe.
Make It a Ritual
Every time I get in the car. Before I check my phone. You choose — don't be too ambitious. Keep your body drop short and sweet, and something you enjoy.
Why the hand on the heart helps. Five seconds in, five seconds out, and one small thanks brings the heart toward coherence.
When feelings come up as you practice, there is a gentle next step: the Consent Cascade →
Practice with care. This is a movement and awareness practice. It complements but does not replace medical or mental health care. If anything feels like too much, stop, feel your feet, and come back another time. If you are in crisis, please contact 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or your local emergency services.
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