Take a Deep Breath. Relax

At this busy time of year, it’s not always easy to take this advice, but it is important.  Slow down.  Yes, I know you’re probably thinking, “how am I going to do that?  There’s so much to do, so many people I have to acknowledge and spend time with.”

But there are ways to slow your thoughts down this time of year. Simple, healthy ways like meditation and breathing.  In fact, it’s called “breathing meditation.” What I would call the more “western” tradition of meditation, where we are asked to create visual images in our minds to relax, is a little different than breathing meditation.  Breathing meditation asks us to sit quietly, close our eyes, breathe and observe our breath.

By watching our breath, it naturally slows, deepens and relaxes us.  Your mind becomes still and calm, and you can reach a state of mind where all of your stress is released and you’ll feel your energy on the rise.  Ultimately, your breathing becomes pure.  Now, it won’t be completely possible at first to push all of your thoughts–like “to do” lists, for example–out of your mind.  But they will dissipate over time.  A little advice– when you are trying to quiet yourself and find these thoughts keep recurring, don’t try to fight them.  Instead  just let them play out without trying to repress them.  Eventually, they will fade.  That’s the “practice” part of your meditation practice. 

I know this is a tall order this time of year.  But when you are spending time with friends and family, you will want to feel calm, relaxed and full of energy, and these simple steps will help you get there.

So give yourself the gift of spending a few moments each day focused on your breathing.  You’ll quickly find the good energy will be flowing in and out a lot more freely, and the holidays will be a lot more enjoyable.

Peace.