It has been a tough year and more, and many of us feel the impacts of stress very clearly in our lives. It is no wonder if we notice more often being on edge and getting tired quicker. Also, one moment we may be feeling fine and the next moment the littlest thing can interrupt our peace and good mood.
Try this short practice to restore calm when you are feeling strong emotions.
1. Grounding
Close your eyes.
Tune into the flow of your breath, moving in and out.
Feel the ground supporting your feet.
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2. Emotions
While you are breathing: Can you notice how you are feeling?
Do you feel worried, disappointed, angry or stressed?
Or something else?
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3. Body Sensations
Gently note any tightness, tension or heaviness in the body.
See if you can let your breath move through or alongside the sensation.
Not trying to change or remove how you feel but breathing together with it.
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4. Thoughts
You might notice judgement, blame or some other thoughts jumping in.
Just gently note them, and then let them go as much as you can.
Relaxing back to your breath.
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5. Be kind
Whatever you feel right now, can you be kind to it?
Allowing the feeling to be here and be heard.
Perhaps placing your hand on your heart. Feeling the warmth of your hand.
Offering yourself care and compassion.
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Spend here as long as you need.
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The intention of mindfulness practices is not to manipulate ourselves to feel better but practice being more comfortable with ourselves as we are.
It is not a push of a button. However, with the right tools and training, we become much better at responding to ourselves even when we are struggling.
There’s great deal mindfulness can do what it comes to reducing stress and alleviating the feelings and thoughts that are especially tricky and often the reason for our distress.
My 8-week mindfulness course teaches you how to work with the mind and develop ways to respond to your experiences kindly and efficiently, allowing you to feel more peace in your life.
Check out the course dates for September here: https://www.southcoastmindfulness.com/mbsr