And Breathe

So you want to meditate, become more "in tune" with your inner being, however you are a parent or insanely busy. As I have been discovering the different meditation techniques, there is a big factor that brings them together: meditation in the morning is a wonderful way to start your day, and then meditation in the evening is a great way to wrap up and relax. Fantastic, however it's easier said than done.

I have heard this in many seminars, and even been told by people (who don't have kids or their children are grown): "why don't you just get up earlier". Sure, I'll get up earlier, except let me tell you why that doesn't always work for folks in my position.  I try to get to bed at a decent time, by 10pm or so, but many times that is extended to later. Why? Well, somebody has to attempt to clean up after a busy day of playing. I am also in a place right now where learning and growing in my profession is number two behind my family, and honestly that will always be the case. By the time I'm ready to relax and have my meditation "me" time, I pass out. Literally.

Morning, wake up earlier?! Ha!! That's really really funny. SO, what can we as busy parents, and people who just are busy all the time, do that allows us to tap in without worrying if we're doing it at the right time and following the "suggested guidelines"?

I have found that even if my kids are already jumping on my bed eagerly awaiting breakfast, I take a minute to breathe deeply. Not upper breathing, but way down deep into my belly. I don't worry about saying a mantra or Om'ing, I just take a moment to center. The very simple and conscious act of deep breathing will naturally focus your mind and your body, syncing it together. Yes, 30 minutes would be ideal, but it's not exactly realistic for everybody. I do it for literally 1 minute, and though I don't say a mantra, I do express my gratitude for the day, breathing in calm and focus. That's it.

At night, I do the same thing right before falling asleep, expressing gratitude for the day, for my family, for where I am, whatever speaks to me in the moment. I relax, and off to sleepy land I go.

If you've been looking at getting into meditation, or at least trying to find a way to focus a bit better, relax, start by breathing. If the energy of things around you during the day becomes overwhelming, take a deep breath. Notice if it's in your shoulders. If it is, breathe deeply again. Keep doing that until your breath naturally drops into your belly. When it has landed down deep, then you know that you are grounding and centering. Oh, important point: Breathe in and out through your nose!! By doing so, it will accelerate the breath, keeping it more focused than if you breathe through your mouth. If you want to learn more about this, check out Dr. Sue Morter. I'm currently taking the time to learn about her amazing techniques, along with the amazing techniques of Deepak Chopra.

It takes practice of awareness. I was aware yesterday that the noise of my children was really getting to me. I had to take a step back and breathe. My shoulders raised as high as a mountain. I felt the tension, and breathed again. Still raised. I kept at it, and about 5 breaths later, I finally sank down and relaxed, not letting my emotions of annoyance get a hold of me. Pretty cool, right? You can do that ANY TIME!

Anyhoo, I could go on and on, but I just wanted to post the basics today. If this speaks to you, I encourage you to try it out and notice the subtle, or big, differences in your day!!

Happy breathing!
~A