We would all like to float through our days in a sea of calm, but sometimes life just gets in the way. Simple annoyances, frustrations and tensions can become overwhelming and can lead to feeling overwhelmed, angry and unable to cope.
The benefits of meditation are really starting to become known in the past few years. Previously reserved for the hippie type, yoga-going happy people and buddhists, meditation is now becoming a recognised form of healing within it's own right.
If you need some help getting through a tough day, take a few minutes out and try this simple exercise below. Even better, why not get up 5minutes earlier and make this part of your morning ritual - it'll set you up for a truly great day.
Sit in a comfortable position. Try to sit in the same place each day. Avoid positions that you might fall asleep in. If you have an outdoor space or balcony that would work well.
Make sure your back is long and core is activated for support.
Shoulders should be relaxed. Take a moment to breath and roll them back and downward.
Your neck should be long, and chin should be relaxed pointing neither up nor down.
Breath and take a moment to make sure the muscles of your face are relaxed.
Begin to breathe through the nostrils. Place your hands on your belly and feel it rise, the ribs expand, and notice the slight movement in the collarbones and shoulders as the breath moves upward.
Breath out throught the mouth, feel the exhalation release all tensions and negativity.
Focus on one aspect of the breath: The movement of air in and out of the nostrils or the lifting and falling of the belly.
Watch that one aspect of the breath.
When the mind wanders, gently bring it back to the breath and the aspect you have chosen to watch.
Do this as many times as you need to.
That's it, you're done - how do you feel? Start with 5–10 minutes and then increase the time each day or week until you can sit for 30 minutes.
Note: There is no such thing as a good or bad meditation. (Good and bad are judgments, events in the mind—just note them and go back to the breathing.)
I hope you enjoy this simple meditation and it helps you to deal with your every day stress more effectively. Remember, stress is the great undo-er and all aspects of health can suffer. If you have been suffering with stress for a long time your health may be negatively effected. This can be very effectively treated with diet, relaxation and exercise. Please do contact me for more information.
Have a wonderful day and, until next time, stay deliciously healthy.
Jennifer May Adv.Dip.Nut.Med.Cert.Hemaview.ATMS
Nutritionist