Downloaded "Breathe (2 AM)" by Anna Nalick, the acoustic version. Thought this version would be perfect to play in the background of my yoga class.
I listened to the song as I was driving to my corporate-day job and realized the chorus is a great reminder to focus on my breath or prana (life force) whereever I am. Simple yet so powerful because ultimately you're tuning into the present moment.
"And breathe, just breathe. Oh breathe, just breathe."
Showing posts with label breath. Show all posts
Showing posts with label breath. Show all posts
Friday, August 27
Wednesday, November 25
Let's give thanks
Give thanks in all circumstances. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Thanksgiving is a great reminder to give thanks for all the blessings in your life. Even if the chips are down, you can still find aspects of your life to be grateful, even if it's just your breath.
So on your next inhale, say THANK YOU and smile.
Thanksgiving is a great reminder to give thanks for all the blessings in your life. Even if the chips are down, you can still find aspects of your life to be grateful, even if it's just your breath.
So on your next inhale, say THANK YOU and smile.
Friday, August 7
How to Meditate Anywhere
By Guest Blogger Mary Ward
Meditation is what helps to keep many people centered and focused. This is the most basic form of relaxation and though it is simple, it can take some getting used to at the beginning. Many people have a spot in their homes that they like to meditate and that they are quite comfortable in. It usually takes a special designated spot to get started so that you can tune out the outside world and focus on your breathing. Initially it may seem that meditating anywhere but the quiet sanctuary of your own home is virtually impossible. However, once you get into meditation and understand how you can make it work for you and your mental well being, you will quickly see that it can be done anywhere.
It’s All About the Focus
The key to meditation and what makes it such an excellent relaxation technique is that you can focus. You can get in touch with your inner self and concentrate on nothing but your breathing. Once you determine and understand that it is truly all about the focus, the location becomes far less important. If you can learn to tune out the outside world, no matter how distracting it may be, you can master meditation from anywhere. This takes some time and serious discipline, but you will quickly find that meditation can take place from anywhere that you allow yourself to truly focus.
Make a Safe Spot
Whether you’re at a friend’s house for the weekend, at a hotel, or in an unusual destination, the key is to find an appropriate spot to meditate. A spot in which you can tune out the outside world, focus without outside interruptions or distractions, and do nothing but breath. There is always a spot to do that, even if it’s in a bathroom or hallway, and as you practice meditation you will quickly see just how easy it is to tune out the distractions of the world around you. Initially though, finding a spot conducive to meditation can be quite helpful.
Breathing Makes a Big Difference
Meditation is not only about gratitude, but also about the breathing techniques that you practice. Learning to breathe deeply and hold these breaths can come in handy in the most stressful situation. You will quickly see just how meditation can help with the stressful situations that present themselves in everyday life, and you may just find that you are meditating in the most unusual spot without even thinking about it.
Mary Ward writes about various healthcare career topics, including how to choose among online surgical tech programs.
Meditation is what helps to keep many people centered and focused. This is the most basic form of relaxation and though it is simple, it can take some getting used to at the beginning. Many people have a spot in their homes that they like to meditate and that they are quite comfortable in. It usually takes a special designated spot to get started so that you can tune out the outside world and focus on your breathing. Initially it may seem that meditating anywhere but the quiet sanctuary of your own home is virtually impossible. However, once you get into meditation and understand how you can make it work for you and your mental well being, you will quickly see that it can be done anywhere.
It’s All About the Focus
The key to meditation and what makes it such an excellent relaxation technique is that you can focus. You can get in touch with your inner self and concentrate on nothing but your breathing. Once you determine and understand that it is truly all about the focus, the location becomes far less important. If you can learn to tune out the outside world, no matter how distracting it may be, you can master meditation from anywhere. This takes some time and serious discipline, but you will quickly find that meditation can take place from anywhere that you allow yourself to truly focus.
Make a Safe Spot
Whether you’re at a friend’s house for the weekend, at a hotel, or in an unusual destination, the key is to find an appropriate spot to meditate. A spot in which you can tune out the outside world, focus without outside interruptions or distractions, and do nothing but breath. There is always a spot to do that, even if it’s in a bathroom or hallway, and as you practice meditation you will quickly see just how easy it is to tune out the distractions of the world around you. Initially though, finding a spot conducive to meditation can be quite helpful.
Breathing Makes a Big Difference
Meditation is not only about gratitude, but also about the breathing techniques that you practice. Learning to breathe deeply and hold these breaths can come in handy in the most stressful situation. You will quickly see just how meditation can help with the stressful situations that present themselves in everyday life, and you may just find that you are meditating in the most unusual spot without even thinking about it.
Mary Ward writes about various healthcare career topics, including how to choose among online surgical tech programs.
Monday, April 20
Random thoughts during meditation
Watch the brief video below where Ellen Degeneres talks about her mind prior to bedtime. This is kind of what meditation feels like at times... like your mind has a mind of its own! This is your EGO (edging God out) trying to distract you.
When meditating, sit or lie in a relaxed position and use your breath to anchor you to the present moment. When thoughts interrupt, just label them thought and don't beat yourself up. That's exactly what your ego wants you to do!
So breathe and focus on your inhalation and exhalation and know that your mind may act like a wild horse. It's normal, but continue to breathe and steer your mind to a calmer place.
When meditating, sit or lie in a relaxed position and use your breath to anchor you to the present moment. When thoughts interrupt, just label them thought and don't beat yourself up. That's exactly what your ego wants you to do!
So breathe and focus on your inhalation and exhalation and know that your mind may act like a wild horse. It's normal, but continue to breathe and steer your mind to a calmer place.
Monday, March 9
Breathe In Calm and Breathe Out Smile
I've totally been a slacker when it comes to "Meditation Mondays," but I thought this was a wonderful poem or thought to share today.
Following the Breath by Thicht Nhat Hanh
Breathing in, I calm my body.
Breathing out, I smile.
Dwelling in the present moment,
I know this is a wonderful moment!
Breathing in, I know I’m breathing in.
Breathing out, I know
as the in-breath grows deep,
the out-breath grows slow.
Breathing in makes me calm.
Breathing out brings me ease.
With the in-breath, I smile.
With the out breath, I release.
Breathing in, there is only the present moment.
Breathing out, it is a wonderful moment.
Monday, May 12
Meditation Monday: Intuition
Lately, I keep hearing and seeing the word "intuition" so my own intuition began to sense I was supposed to be tuning more into my own or developing it ... not sure which.
This weekend I went to the library to pick up a book and began looking at the other works surrounding it. One was titled Divine Intuition by Lynn A. Robinson - I knew immediately I had to check it out. Read about half of it this weekend and definitely am glad I found it. Very short and specific chapters crammed with tons of great quotes, which I always enjoy. Similar to the teachings of Louise L. Hay and "The Secret" but focused on how to utilize and listen to your own intuition to create a life you love.
On page 19, the book includes a meditation called "60 seconds to peace" or "One-minute to God" that I thought would be good to share on Meditation Monday.
Get into a comfortable position, shut down your eyes and take a deep breath in. On your exhale, say the word relax out loud. Do this a few times until you feel centered. Now "call on the presence of God." The book says you can do this however makes you comfortable and suggests focusing on the "stillness of your breath."
Next say to yourself, '"I am filled and surrounded by the presence and spirit of God. I am at peace."' See yourself surrounded in God's love and light and just sit in this energy of peace.
According to the book, taking this brief minute will help you alleviate stress and gain more energy. It will also allow more room for intuitive thoughts to make their way to you. Try it out and see!
This weekend I went to the library to pick up a book and began looking at the other works surrounding it. One was titled Divine Intuition by Lynn A. Robinson - I knew immediately I had to check it out. Read about half of it this weekend and definitely am glad I found it. Very short and specific chapters crammed with tons of great quotes, which I always enjoy. Similar to the teachings of Louise L. Hay and "The Secret" but focused on how to utilize and listen to your own intuition to create a life you love.
On page 19, the book includes a meditation called "60 seconds to peace" or "One-minute to God" that I thought would be good to share on Meditation Monday.
Get into a comfortable position, shut down your eyes and take a deep breath in. On your exhale, say the word relax out loud. Do this a few times until you feel centered. Now "call on the presence of God." The book says you can do this however makes you comfortable and suggests focusing on the "stillness of your breath."
Next say to yourself, '"I am filled and surrounded by the presence and spirit of God. I am at peace."' See yourself surrounded in God's love and light and just sit in this energy of peace.
According to the book, taking this brief minute will help you alleviate stress and gain more energy. It will also allow more room for intuitive thoughts to make their way to you. Try it out and see!
Monday, May 5
Meditation for pregnant mamas
I added the DVD Yoga for Your Pregnancy to my Netflix queue and hope it will arrive early this week - love me some Netflix. I should really try to get the company to sponsor my blog. HA!
Since it's meditation Monday, thought this was a good topic to post about because according to the DVD's Web site, it includes a segment specifically focused on medititation during pregnancy. It also contains three pranayama or breathing techniques for calming the nervous system and yoga postures to try during labor. I believe I saw this DVD before but didn't realize all the cool stuff it contained. Wish I would've read the review earlier, but better late than never, right?
If anyone has tried to this DVD before, let me know what you think. I'll definitely post more about it once I try it out.
Since it's meditation Monday, thought this was a good topic to post about because according to the DVD's Web site, it includes a segment specifically focused on medititation during pregnancy. It also contains three pranayama or breathing techniques for calming the nervous system and yoga postures to try during labor. I believe I saw this DVD before but didn't realize all the cool stuff it contained. Wish I would've read the review earlier, but better late than never, right?
If anyone has tried to this DVD before, let me know what you think. I'll definitely post more about it once I try it out.
Saturday, March 1
Read your way to a healthy pregnancy
I'm not enrolled in a Lamaze class to prepare for the late May birth of my baby (is that a mistake?). However I was checking out the Lamaze Web site and found a quick sheet you can reference of "2008 Recommended Resources for Pregnant Women and their families" that may be of interest if you're expecting too.
A few books I hadn't heard of before that stood out to me:
A few books I hadn't heard of before that stood out to me:
- Nurturing Baby and me during Pregnancy (book and CD with ways to bond with your baby)
- Breathe your way through birth with yoga
- Mama Knows Breast: A Beginner's Guide to Breastfeeding (One Amazon reviewer called it a "Fun Breastfeeding 'Manual' for Moms." Received five stars from six customer reviews.)
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