“Do your work, then step back. The only path to serenity” Lao-tzu:
Here’s a radical thought. Why not create some space in your day to stop, step back and take a breather. Think of it as an insurance policy to prevent mistakes, exhaustion and overwhelm.
Now more than ever, in a world of uncertain times, you need a back up plan (just for you), to create more internal stability and balance. It’s time to stop pushing through your day, rushing to finish your to-do list or worrying constantly about the future. There are consequences.
Now is the perfect time for you to pause, read slower the usual, (yes, slow your reading pace down, right now) and cast your eyes over the following quote by the amazing Marianne Williamson.
“How many times have we made a mistake that effected the rest of our life, simply because we made it, when we were moving too fast, at the effect of our stress, anger or fear” Marianne Williamson
Pause, step back and take a five minute breather:
Enjoy this weeks support tools for upgrading your level of self care.
Remember, anytime is a good time to create some space between you, your busyness, your crowded thoughts, your to-do list and the world.
1: Take a 5 minute breather while still lying in bed:
I’m a firm believer that the way you begin your morning directly effects the flow of your day. So while taking a five minute breather (before you get out of bed) might sound crazy, I know from personal experience, it works. A few moments spent breathing, relaxing and connecting to your inner wisdom, gives you a good dose of peace and clarity which hopefully will last for the rest of the day.
2: Linger longer and trust:
Enjoy your morning tea. Rather than rushing back to your desk with a half filled cuppa, linger longer and enjoy your breather. If you have just jumped into your car, rather than zooming off, linger longer. Spend a few moments unhunching your shoulders, relaxing your breath and softening all your face muscles by smiling.
If you are feeling guilty for lingering longer then repeat the word trust. Hopefully, it will work the same magic on you as it does for me. I simply repeat to myself very, very slowly “I trust, I trust, I trust”.
Practice lingering longer in any situation, and trust that’s it OK to do so.
3: Breathe! You are still alive:
As the Buddhists say conscious breathing is the most basic practice for touching peace. When I take a five minute break and focus only on my breath, I find it has many wonderful effects on my body and mind within seconds. It calms a racing mind, soothes a stressed body, softens tense muscles in the neck and shoulders, brings space back into a tight body and gets your awareness out of your head and back into your body.
I know I share the following mantra by Thich Nhat Hanh often, but I love it, as it simply works.
Breathing in: I calm my body
Breathing out: I smile
4: Take a breather with an inspirational book:
Sometimes all it takes is a few minutes reading a random page or two, from your favourite inspirational book, to calm your mind and put things back into perspective. I’ve used this little soothing trick many, many times for well over a decade.
Of course the books I receive inspiration from have changed many times, but the results are always the same. A sense of relief and insight. Reading a few passages from an inspiring book allows me to re-enter my day feeling a little more settled.
The book I’m using at the moment is a A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose by Eckhart Tolle. I hold the book in my hands, and randomly open at any page. It is always perfect. This is such a wonderful way to grab a five minute breather.
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What I’m enjoying at the moment:
Receiving the benefits from my daily Yoga Nidra practice.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I have always had trouble turning it off and relaxing. I find it helps to recall a pleasant scene from the past, like a quiet place in the woods or a placid lake where I used to canoe.
But sometimes imagination do will do it.
“Whether in favor or in humiliation, be not dismayed. Let your eyes leisurely look at the flowers blooming and falling in your courtyard. Whether you leave or retain your position, take no care. Let your mind wander with the clouds folding and unfolding beyond the horizon.” – Hung Tzu-ch’eng (1593-1665)
How true, Thanks Grandpa Ken.