We all try to be our very best for ourselves and the people around us and no matter how we try, sometimes we learn that our well intentions are not enough. We find that all of the time and effort we put into other people and other people’s things, we find that it seems it is just never enough. People disappoint. Things don’t work out. We have regret and replay the scenes of our life over and over again in our mind trying to get to that magical combination, that perfect storm, where everything pulls together and everything works out PERFECTLY. But it rarely does, does it? And we keep our body and our mind in a constant state of anxiety. We lay awake at night trying to figure things out. We spend our daylight hours trying to fix the world. We destroy our bodies cell by cell: our blood pressure goes up, we feel sorrowful, we make our head and our stomach ache, we become restless and anxious.
Sometimes, we have to accept the fact that other people don’t always want our help and the world is what it is and imperfection is acceptable and life is good. Sometimes we have to cut our losses and count our blessings. There are many.
Meditation is a good way to let all of it go and refocus our energy and our mind. Meditating can be prayerful and spiritual or it can be simply a quiet calmness. Whatever it needs to be we can find that place by pulling away from the busy noisiness of life and purposefully being mindful of the things that truly matter.
Meditating is easy.
- Find a quiet time or a quiet space. I meditate first thing in the morning before my day gets started while the house is still asleep.
- Get comfortable. Sitting in a chair or sitting or lying on the floor.
- Clear your mind. Let it go. Focus on the moment. Clear your mind.
- Breathe. Focus on your breathing. Listen to the air enter and leave your body. Slow the rhythm and allow your chest to rise and fall with each breath. Breathe in slowly, hold your breath briefly, exhale slowly letting all of the air leave your lungs. Try to make your breaths meaningful and full.
- Relax. Starting at the bottom of your feet, relax every part of your body one at a time. Let your body sink into the earth.
- Allow yourself to be filled up. Connect to your spiritual self. Listen to your heartbeat. Listen to the birds or the wind rustling through tree branches. Think of what brings you joy. Let colors and scents and sounds fill your subconscious. Relax and enjoy them.
- Awaken. Allow your body to slowly come back to life. Wiggle your fingers and toes, feel the carpet under your fingertips or the cool air on your skin. Allow your body to awaken part by part appreciating how each part of your body serves you.
- Breathe. Take a few deep cleansing breaths and stretch your body.
Let the moment last. Remember you are good enough. You are smart enough. You are strong enough. You are appreciated. You are loved. You are needed. You are important. Just let it go.
According to the Mayo Clinic
Practicing relaxation techniques can have many benefits, including:
- Slowing heart rate
- Lowering blood pressure
- Slowing your breathing rate
- Improving digestion
- Maintaining normal blood sugar levels
- Reducing activity of stress hormones
- Increasing blood flow to major muscles
- Reducing muscle tension and chronic pain
- Improving concentration and mood
- Improving sleep quality
- Lowering fatigue
- Reducing anger and frustration
- Boosting confidence to handle problems