Just Breathe
I strive to live a simple life, I imagine most people do. But lately it seems a bit more chaotic than usual. I feel stress settling into my bones and little tasks are tiring. With the holidays quickly approaching, things are likely to get even busier, and crazier.
Recognizing when you are on the brink of falling into a pit of stress filled days, before the actual fall, gives you the time to make a change.
When I took my quiet time this morning, I did a visualization exercise that put a bounce back in my step. I didn’t plan on doing it, it just kind of happened. I thought I would share it with you because after doing it, I felt calmer. It felt like someone tossed me a life preserver. Doesn’t a bounce in your step sound like a good idea?
Have someone read this post to you. Have them read it SLOWLY to you.
(To the person reading out loud… Read slowly, calmly and any time you read the words breathe in, breathe out – pause and allow the person to breathe). Pause at each picture as well.
Ok Reader… Start reading.
Find a comfortable place to sit with your feet planted firmly on the floor and breathe.
Close your eyes and adjust to the darkness.
Breathe in, breath out.
Pay attention to your body for a moment, where are you holding your stress? Purposefully direct several breaths to this spot. Breathe in through your nose and blow out through your mouth directing the breath to your stressful area.
Breathe in, breathe out. Breathe in, breathe out.
Continue to keep your feet on the floor, your eyes closed and simply breathe while my words direct you to a simple, quiet, happy place.
Visualize yourself walking along the shore of a lake. The sun is shining warmly upon you and a gentle breeze is blowing. Feel the sun warming your face.
Feel the breeze tussling your hair. Notice the sky is a vibrant blue and stretches for miles and miles only interrupted by puffy white clouds.
The lake is surrounded by gently rolling hills which are lush and green. Take a moment and simply look at the water, the sky and the hills. Take it all in.
Everything seems quiet and still. But listen carefully to the sounds of the day. The water is gently and quietly lapping upon the shore. In the distance, birds are whistling their songs. You hear a duck flapping its wings as it takes flight.
Such a beautiful, peaceful, perfect day.
As you breathe in notice the air smells crisp and clean.
Breathe in, breathe out. Breath in, breathe out.
As you continue to walk along the shore you notice a little blue kayak ahead, a paddle sticking out the sides. You walk closer and curiously examine it. You see yourself in the middle of the lake, gently floating along.
A piece of paper is on top of the kayak. It reads, go ahead and borrow me; just bring me back safely.
You gently untie the rope, put on the life jacket and carefully move the kayak into the water. Once inside you begin to paddle to the middle of the lake.
The sun is now shining on your face and the breeze is gently blowing. You stop paddling and simply sit with your face directed toward the sun. You close your eyes and listen to the silence.
Breathe in, breathe out. Breathe in, breathe out.
You deserve this little break. You deserve a chance to breathe. Breathe in, breathe out. Breathe in, breathe out.
Take a moment and simply relax. Everything is good.
Nothing says life is good better than a little blue kayak in the middle of the lake.
Feel free to keep the kayak out for as long as you need. When you are ready, open your eyes and return to your day. Hopefully with a bit of a bounce in your step!
Lake Girl
