Hello and happy Monday!
So in addition to working on my goals, I have been trying to work on my meditation practice as of late. About a month ago I took an honest look at my anxiety and realized that while I have been doing well, I had been slacking with my number one tool. Meditation is key to my anxiety and pain management, so I take my dedication (or lack of) quite seriously.
I’ve found a great class back in Pittsburgh, but it’s at a wonky time and not near where I am staying right now (this will change when I move). Meditating in a class environment has always come more easily to me than doing it on my own, and I have usually considered class and essential supplement to my daily practice. However, that is just not possible right now so I have had to work a bit harder. I embrace this challenge – I am lucky to even have a class to go to and I know it. Time for baby bird to spread her wings.
So to help me get re-focused on the daily, I have been reverting back to the cornerstone of meditation (and yoga!): the breath! So simple, but something I take for granted. I notice that when I am holding a lot of anxiety, I am also holding my breath. Girl needs oxygen!
So every day, I have been taking a few minutes here and there to just sit and take deep breaths. It sounds so silly, and people have been telling me to do it for years, but I always think ‘I don’t have time to sit and take deep breaths’! Well, that’s silly too, and I’m making time. I’m also using some of the pranayama (breathing) techniques from my new yoga class as a little warm-up for my daily meditation practice (my favorite is alternate nostril breathing!). I find that when I start my practice this way, I am more motivated and my head is less likely to wander. This means I usually sit for longer too!
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I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying summer. I also hope this post wasn’t too boring! I know it may have been for those who don’t groove on meditation, and that’s fine. However, the selfish-lady-pimp in me couldn’t resist another chance to extol the benefits of mindfulness practice! Grazie!
Jam of the day: Bob Dylan “Tangled Up In Blue”
