Is one of your
New Year’s resolutions to calm down,
because your physician has strongly advised it, or because you hate how burned
out you feel and life isn’t as rewarding as it used to be?
To that end,
meditation, exercise and stroking your cat are some of the most popular
recommendations by professionals and gurus alike. And you may have tried some
of these activities in the past (assuming you aren’t allergic to cats).
Meditation might have left you feeling confused and convinced that you must be
doing something wrong. You were not looking for a “path” and it wasn't a good
fit. Running in the morning was making you feel healthier, but your mind was
already at work, preparing the many arguments you were likely to have that day,
so it wasn’t exactly a relaxing experience.
So here you are.
You need to learn how to calm yourself, but your life is too busy and hectic to
take time out for experimentations that you are not particularly drawn to. Is
that about it? Well, read on - I'm bringing help.
I do believe
that meditation and exercise are wonderful and proven ways to bring about mental
well-being and improve health in general. I also know that the majority of
people who give these a first try,
walk away sooner than later. Meditation takes dedication and expert guidance,
and there is no quick pay off. For the person who cannot stop his or her
stressful thoughts while exercising, another solution is needed. Sadly for many
who believe they have failed at something that obviously has changed the lives
for others, self-judgment will be harsh.
Some individuals
even believe that taking any time out for oneself is selfish somehow, and that something important is sure to suffer for
it.
So, how do all
of us, with so little time, desperate to get away from a mind in overdrive, and
body muscles tight enough for “flight or fight” at any minute, get to a place
were we can both rest and recharge?
Everyone near my
age (thirty something) grew up plugged into earphones stuck in a Walkman. It
was the greatest thing - no complaints about volume, and no arguments about
what constituted “good music.” The world that “didn't get it” was simply tuned
out.
Of course we have
updated the equipment with iPods and MP3 players, but you can still use them to
tune out and relax anywhere and anytime you can take a break.
This method
works so well, because you decide
what will truly take you away for a while. You choose the type of music you
love, or you can listen to someone read to you from your favorite book. You
could listen to the sounds of nature, the chants of monks or even a guided
relaxation meditation.
I recommend a
cold washcloth over the eyes (or a wet hankie if you are at work) and elevated
feet, if possible. Your mind becomes passive during this “tune out” because it
is listening. And the body, no longer getting
stressful signals from the brain, relaxes as well - and that feels so very good.
Finding more
peace and relaxation is like trying to lose 50 lbs. Small but steady increments,
and keeping the ground you’ve gained, will keep you on the You path.
Try it, it
works!!
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