Part 1:
Just because things are simple, that doesn’t mean they are easy. However, simple is the way to go. With practice, the impossible becomes possible. Never, ever give up. Here are some ways to simplify your life.
- Witness everything: To be an observer, one must have the gift of “seeing.” To truly see others for who and what they are is one of the best gifts one human can give to another.
- Breathe deeply: Three breaths in through your nose then out through your mouth is a great way to feel the flow.
- Reflect: It’s an admirable quality to respond to life instead of reacting to it. Taking time to reflect allows you to sit in the beauty of the gap. This is the empty space where peace sits—waiting for you.
- Celebrate more often: It just doesn’t happen as often as it should. Create your own celebration dance and do it often. Seek to find things to celebrate. They are all around us.
- Be kind: The world can use more kindness. Be kind to others.
- Speak in affirmation of others: Stop finding faults with others. Instead, find the good in others and begin to affirm them.
- Monitor your attitude: Having a proactive, positive attitude propels energy. Energy is at the heart of everything worth knowing. Especially YOU.
- Seek clarity: Greater clarity is always possible. Things aren’t always as they seem. Yet, when you bring the energy of seeking greater clarity, it emerges in the easiest ways.
- Trust yourself: We ALWAYS know! This is a universal truth. Not trusting others is an indictor you do not trust your own internal guidance. Your inner guidance is a resource that only you have access to. As you tap into it more, you will get better at reading the messages that are being sent. Trust your inner wisdom and you will be more trusting of the direction and choices you are making.
- Be Present: We can’t be all things to all people. We can’t know everything, especially when we are not there to witness it. Being present to “what is” brings peace and stability to all emotional states. Being In Sync is knowing there is greatness right where you are. In fact, the greatness is within you!
Live. Love. Thrive!
Are You In Sync?
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Part 2:
Just…BREATHE (Mindfully!)
It sounds so simple, doesn’t it? Breathe in, out, repeat. We do it without even having to think about it. If it’s so simple, then, why do so many people feel stressed and anxious?
It’s because they haven’t learned how to breathe mindfully.
Mindful, deep breathing and overall awareness of our body, thoughts and feelings. Mindful breathing provides a sense of wellness that assists us to approach all aspects of our lives in a positive, relaxed, neutral manner. Can’t we all use a little bit more calmness and relaxation in our lives?
Mindfulness requires us to develop the skill of paying attention, which in turn gives us the gift of focus in the present moment. This focus allows us to truly enjoy the magic of every moment, even with every bite of food taken, every smile given and every conversation spoken. Developing mindfulness can and does help us become truly present in mind, body and soul.
But, what does it have to do with breathing? EVERYTHING!
The way we breathe, whether we are conscious of it or not, can and does reflect our emotional and physical states. In heightened times of awareness or anxiety, our breathing changes. Yes, we may not be aware of it at the time, but it definitely changes. It becomes shallower as our brains try to process and focus on whatever it is triggering our anxious state. This is a natural, instinctual response to fear and is known as the “fight or flight response.”
Here is an excerpt from a website article I found, that discusses the correlation between proper breathing and our health:
Our mental, emotional and physical health are all about the quality of oxygen flow in the body.
Since the brain needs a lot of oxygen to function optimally (using about 80% of the oxygen present the body), how you breathe has a huge impact on your mental health and physical well-being.
Tension depletes the body’s oxygen supply by inhibiting the powerful muscle that supports the lungs, the diaphragm, from sending oxygen to the lower part of the lungs, where it is more effectively released to all parts of the body. At a physical level, deep breathing expands the lungs in ways that allow more oxygen to circulate throughout the body.
Mindful breathing corrects the tendency we have to tense our body, especially around the abdominal muscles.
You can find the entire article here
It makes sense to want to learn how to breathe—not just more often, but with more impact.
Question: How does one do that?
Answer: By making the conscious decision to become aware of your breathing pattern and style. Take a moment to stop reading this—yes, right now—and think about how you are breathing. Is it shallow—meaning it is coming from the upper part of your lungs? Can you actually take a gulp of air in, on top of what is already in there?
If so, that means you aren’t breathing as deeply (or as mindfully) as you could and should be.
I know it sounds silly—many of you might be saying to yourself, “But, I’ve been breathing just fine ever since the day I was born. How can I possibly change how I do it now?” It’s easy—just become aware of how you take in and release oxygen. Paying attention is mindfulness. It is raising your awareness which increases energy, consciousness, and much more.
What are the benefits of mindful breathing?
The benefits are enormous and plentiful! When one regularly practices mindful breathing, he or she can get that anxious feeling under control, which in turn calms and refocuses the mind on what is really important—reduced stress, lessened anxiety and clear-headed, focused problem solving.
So, go ahead and take two minutes to just breathe…mindfully. Your stress might just dissipate.
Tips for mindful breathing:
- Find a quiet place where you can be all alone and uninterrupted for a few moments
- Shut down or turn away from all electronics and technology
- Look towards the sky, or out a window, and breathe in to the count of 1..2..3..4
- Think of heartwarming thoughts, and hold for the same number of counts
- Breathe out gently, putting your hand over your heart or lungs to feel yourself exhaling
- Repeat the process 3-4 more times until you feel yourself relax
Interested in knowing more about mindful breathing? Here is a great video that demonstrates how to breathe in and out for relaxing. Give it a try!
Live. Love. Thrive!
