So you’ve established a routine where you spend some time every date just focusing on your breathing BUT your mind quickly wanders to the other tasks (whether it be your next meeting or when is baby going to wake or when will I find the time to complete ….). Soon your breathing rate has increased and you are just as stressed. I understand your frustration and offer some tips below on how to stop your mind spoiling your relaxation.
Firstly, focusing on one task takes practice. We spend most of our time trying to multi-task so it does take a little training. However, don’t be defeated as the benefits far outweigh the effort required.
As before, lay or sit in a comfortable position with your spine straight. Start by focusing on your breathing again. Once you feel comfortable, visualise a place (it could be from your past or your imagination) where you feel completely relaxed and safe. This could be a beach or a mountain retreat. Stroll gently around your safe, relaxing haven absorbing all your five senses. Feel the sand between your toes, hear the birds singing, taste the sea salt on your lips, soak up the beautiful scenery and smell the clean, fresh air. Take your time experiencing all of the senses. Imagine yourself either sitting or lying down in your safe place. With every breath that you take in, imagine your lungs are being filled with relaxing, calming energy. Notice that with every out breath, your body sinks deeper and deeper into relaxation.
Should any thoughts attempt to interrupt your relaxation, visualise that thought on a cloud and gently blow it away with your out breath. Then just bring your mind back to your relaxation.
Now you should feel completely calm and relaxed. As before, slowly bring yourself back to the present by rubbing your hands together, twitching your toes and slowly opening your eyes.
How do you feel now? Please let me know by adding your comments below.
Hi there. Love your blog!
ReplyDeleteWhen I've found I'm struggling to clear my head (and am struggling even to get to start thinking about visualising a place) I use and egg-timer and watch the sand falling. That can then get my head clear enough to start to visualise.
Don't know if that's helpful to anyone?
Thank you Amanda, what a great idea. Not sure if it's the closet Pyromaniac in me but along the same vein, I like to light a candle and just watch the flame flicker.
ReplyDelete