Application Story 4: Relax the Body, Calm our Minds…

When was the last time we truly felt connected with our heart and at peace?...

In this application story I would like to share with you some ideas and helpful tips about relaxing ourselves and calming our minds; specially this time a year when we may be facing a lot of pressure, stress and busyness in our lives. A while ago when searching for some ideas and tips for myself, I read that an important stress management technic is the idea to calm our minds and our bodies. “The calmer our mind is the more peaceful we will feel in our inner self”. And that resonated to me for a while…

Well it is true that when we calm our body that will improve our health and mood. In fact if we relax our body with things that make us feel tranquil our body will be calmer. But that sounds like the question: what is first, the chicken or the egg? Well that depends you may say.
What I believe is that if we really want to find a balance in our life, we have to start by finding peace in your inner self, and becoming satisfied with who we are in the middle of our busy lives. It is a matter of wanting to be healthy and happy in our heart with simple things that can help us relax and enjoy life in a better way.

Here are some things I like to do when finding my inner peace and trying to relax myself:

There are moments in my busy life that I need a break, for that I find myself wanting to run and release energy by pumping my heart rate. Running is something I loved very much. So I like going for an outside run when the weather allows me here in Massachusetts. I have an area close by call the Shaker Village a History District, where I enter a path full of trees, and nature. It is my oasis of peace and tranquility. I run with my favorite music, U2, and enjoy the ride. That is the best for me!

On other occasions I like going to my favorite Yoga Class at my local gym, and being with myself in that moment help me clear my mind. Also I am an addicted reader to books, any kind of books, business, well-being, romance, mystery, fiction, self-improving and history. Some times this is the best to do when I need to go away in my thoughts and think about something else.  I always said, a good book with a nice glass of red wine, is a wonderful combination when we need quiet times.  So what works for you?

Now let’s talk about calming stress management technique that could help us calm quickly, that is called mindfulness meditation. In mindfulness meditation we try to pay attention to how we feel, what's happening and any sensations we have including sounds. We try to live in the present moment (which is sometimes called be here now) and feel what is happening in the time period.  Let’s try to be very attentive, alert and conscious of what is happening in the present moment. Pay attention to what we're doing and how it feels. This technique should help us to be more centered and peaceful. Try it!

Here is what I do:
Throughout the day I pause and do some kind of calming or mindfulness exercise. I like stretching and looking around the room. I also like massaging my hands and. Some other times I count to ten, do things more slowly or carefully or try to be more calm and peaceful. It works for me.

Another thing I do before I have to present, or to talk in an important meeting... I breathe deeply. Slow breathing helps me relax, exhaling more slowly than I usually do. This helps me calm quickly.  Suggestion for you: Take three deep diaphragmatic breaths several times a day to relax and calm your body and spirit. You will notice the difference.

No matter what we do, the most important thing is that we find ourselves expressing happiness from our hearts when doing any kind of thing that involves our mind and body bringing harmony.  Any kind of thing you try is what matters the most... In fact, I have very good friend who loves dancing specially salsa, we call her the Dancing Queen and she does this for fun and for stress relief. That is a good thing! I have other friends and coworkers, who love to watch movies, take a long walk, doing Pilates, stretching, riding a bike, play with their kids, and meditate. Anyway, whatever works for you is what matter the most to relax your body and calm your mind.

Lastly, I would like to share with you more information about meditation. This is a new thing I am trying to incorporate in my life.

“Meditation is the process whereby you are able to still and quiet your mind. During meditation you travel inwards and with practice, you are able to fully experience a deep sense of inner calm, focus and stillness”.

I have found that for some people, their meditation practice forms part of their spiritual awakening or reconnecting to a higher source of being;  It is used as a form of stress relief and a way to cope better with the everyday stresses and tension…

Let’s try it: How to Meditate in Seven Steps

1. Decide you want to experience a period of calmness, inner quiet and stillness in your life.
2. Find a quiet comfortable space in which you can sit undisturbed for a period of 5 - 20 minutes.
3. Sit on the floor, on a cushion in a comfortable cross-legged position. If this is too uncomfortable, then sit on a chair. Place your feet firmly on the floor and sit with a straight back.
4. Close your eyes and take a deep steady breath in through your nose and as you breathe out allow your jaw, shoulders and hands to relax.
5. Stay focused on your breath. On the next out breath, allow your buttocks, thighs, calves and feet to relax.
6. Maintain this awareness on your breath as you slowly and gently breathe in and out through your nose. If your mind wanders and you lose your concentration, just return your awareness to your breath. Stay in this position for at least 5 - 10 rounds of steady breathing.
7. Slowly return to normal breathing. Stay still and gently open your eyes. Keep a soft gaze and stay seated for a few more moments before getting up and re-engaging with your day.
This is just a very simple introduction into meditating. The more regularly we practice, the easier it is for us to relax our body and calm our mind - whether we are looking for a deep spiritual experience or simply a few moments of calm during our day at work. What else do you suggest?

Enjoy!