I invite you to take this time from your busy schedule to learn about and try some of my relaxation tips and techniques. We'll discuss natural methods for reducing stress, anxiety and tension; topics from aromatherapy to yoga with an emphasis on breathwork. And I'd love you to Share Your Story about how you found ways to just let go of stress. For the next few minutes the outside world does not concern you. This is your time, your space, your place for relaxation. Find your quiet space.
Take a Deep Breath.....and Exhale
When my daughter was an infant, watching her sleep, her natural breathing pattern sometimes alarmed me. When she inhaled her little stomach would puff up (like blowing air into a balloon) and when she exhaled her stomach deflated, the belly button pulled in tight. Little did I know then but she knew exactly how to do natural abdominal breathing.
Most adults chest breathe, that is take quick shallow breaths from the upper chest. Take a moment to observe your breathing, especially when you are nervous or tense. Those shallow breaths cause excess loss of co2 and deprive your heart and lungs from delivering adequate oxygen to the cells. But when you take slow deep breaths the fine balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide is restored and quickly soothes the nervous system, relaxes tense muscles and slows a rapidly beating heart.
Breathwork is the master key to good health and affects our digestion, circulation, blood pressure and energy levels. To learn the proper deep breathing technique try the following:
First sit in a comfortable position. Loosen any tight clothing. Remove shoes, belts, ties - everything restrictive.
- Place your hand softly on your stomach.
- Beginning on the exhalation, notice your stomach pull away from your hand.
- Inhale slowly, trying to push the hand as far out as possible.
- Allow the breath to travel upward to the chest. Then exhale slowly.
- Take a normal breath.
- Repeat numbers (1) through (5) several times.
This deep breathing technique has caused you to feel relaxed, and that's a good thing. People who practice it believe we are all born with a predetermined number of life's breaths. And if we are constantly in a state of anxiety or agitation we are wasting our precious life force. So let's continue with this feeling of relaxation through calm breathing:
The Calming Breath
Gently close your eyes. Focus your awareness on your breathing. Exhale toxic air out, inhale cleansing air in. Easy in and out. Place your hand softly against your stomach. Observe the rise and fall of your breath. Deep abdominal breaths. Inhale and hold the breath to your level of comfort. Then exhale. Breathe in relaxation, calmness, coolness, love. Breathe out tension, worry, stress, negativity.
As you exhale softly, mentally say the word relax. Begin to feel relaxation flow to each part of your body. Relaxation is a feeling. Focus your awareness inward. Tune into your inner stillness. Observe the quiet mind. If a worry crosses your mind, let it pass like clouds across the sky. Say to yourself, "I can handle it", then turn your attention back to your breathing. It's tranquil now. This is your time .... your space.....your place for relaxation.
May this positive energy keep you throughout your day.
Practice The Calming Breath daily and especially when you are feeling tense and overwhelmed. You'll soon notice how much easier it is to handle those frustrating moments.
The light in me honors the light in you.
Namaste.
