Go Within
In order to help calm ourselves, it can often be helpful to “Go Within.” This is a theme that I will revisit in and throughout other posts. Without needing expensive treatments, we can obtain emotional health and wellness through simple, accessible messages, meditations, and mindful practices. Here is one gentle reminder to “Go Within” ourselves to find healing and peace and to build personal resiliency. So here we go….
Breath
Message: Breath is life. Breathing is the most fundamental of human functions; without air we simply cannot live. In today’s world, we all can feel rushed, pressured, and overwhelmed by the daily chores, hassles, and demands of work, family, and social groups. When we are stressed, our breath becomes shallow and this signals to our body that we are under threat. Stress triggers our body to release cortisol and other hormones that can be detrimental to our physical health over the long run. Chronic stress also takes a toll on our emotional and mental well-being. We tend to be “human-doings;” who distract ourselves in a million ways leaving us feeling exhausted and disconnected from our own selves and from others. We long for a felt sense of inner peace. Breathing connects us with our inner self and allows our mind and body to relax. Breath is also believed to connect us with our higher self or spirit and to the source of Love and Light.
Meditation
Sit in a comfortable position and close your eyes. Begin to breathe and just notice the quality of your breath. Is it smooth, regular, and deep or does it feel hurried, jagged, or shallow? Just notice your breath without judgement. After a few breaths, begin to follow your breath from your nose into your lungs and into your belly. You can place your hand on your abdomen and feel it extend out as you breathe in. Imagine the air you take in is filled with beautiful sparkling light. With each inhale imagine that you are breathing in light, love and healing. Colors may come to you that signify healing, well-being, or tranquility. Imagine that the sparkling light fills and nurtures every cell in your body.
As you exhale, imagine that tension, stress, dis-ease, or pain of every kind leaves your body with your breath. These tensions may have a color, shape, image or sound; acknowledge them and let them go. Continue breathing in light, love, and healing and continue exhaling tension, stress and anything that no longer serves you. Everything that leaves your body is transmuted and rendered harmless. Continue this cycle until you feel complete. Take a deep breath giving gratitude and open your eyes feeling clear, calm, and energized.
Mindful Practice
At any time and in any place, simply tune into your breath; you don’t even need to close your eyes! Breathe in… two three four, hold two three four, exhale two three four, and hold two three four. Repeat this 4-count breath 3-4 times to help reset your nervous system and experience a calm state.