Is it possible? Let‘s face it. Life is different these days! The kids are home all day and need your help with everything! ; ) Your routine is suddenly........wait, what routine? Social distancing has made it hard to enjoy the company of friends and family. Wearing a face mask to the grocery store is your new norm. Life is full of uncertainty! Now, it’s even more important than ever to take a few minutes during our day for our own self care, to discover and tune into our own inner peace. Remember, in stressful times, the breath is the most powerful tool we can use to calm and relax our bodies and minds.
Where ever you are in your day right now, take the next few minutes for this relaxing breath awareness mindfulness practice:
1) Find a comfortable place to sit or maybe even go out in nature for a walking meditation.
2) Tune into your breath, notice the air flowing in and out of your nostrils.....notice the rise and fall of your chest with each inhalation and exhalation.
3) As you tune into your breath, allow your senses to open to the environment around you, bringing yourself into full presence of the moment you’re experiencing. Notice sounds around you.
4) Notice any sensations in your body, tingling in your hands or feet, or perhaps the gentle beating of your heart. Notice how the sensations are moving, vibrating, yet there’s this underlying stillness.....always here....
5) Notice how the breath is always in a constant state of movement......
6) Welcome everything just as it is.....
7) Now tune back into your breath.....and repeat this mantra: may I be happy.....may I be well.....may I be peaceful and at ease.....
Feel free to come back to this practice or recite your mantra anytime during your day when you feel the need to relax, rest, or restore. Namaste! : )