Our mind moves at a continuous pace and even when our body is quiet it can keep us from making the effort to be still even more stressful which moves us further away from the calm mind.   This is the way the mind works, it likes being in charge and it usually wins the battle over our bodies and in doing so creates the canvas for a host of disease.  Even the word dis-ease, meaning ill at ease, relates to the importance of mind-body connection.

So how do you take charge of your mind?  Rather than fighting fire with fire, pitting will against will, you can learn another approach to relieve the pressure, quiet your mind, and let go of the need for answers.

Our breath is the answer.  It is really quite simple but we have moved so far away from our perfect breath as babies that we actually need to remind ourselves to breathe by setting aside time to practice it.

1)      We will begin with practicing breathing in the seated position as I want to give you a practical tool that you can use in most situations.

2)       Now close your eyes and place one hand over your chest and the other on your stomach.  Take a deep breath with your mouth open and allow the air to cool your tongue.  As the breath fills up your lungs, you’ll notice that it may feel like it stops half way down your throat.  Don’t worry, with each breath, this feeling of constriction will dissipate.

3)      As you exhale slowly through your nose envision the weight of your body sinking down into the earth.

4)      Now close your mouth and with each inhalation count to 3 or 4, whichever is most comfortable pausing slightly and now exhale to the same count.  Counting helps you to bring your mind into your breathing and helps us deal with any distractive thoughts or sounds around us.

5)      Repeat the cycle, filling up your lungs as much as you can, feeling the movement of your diaphragm.  This is called belly breathing or diaphragmatic breathing and this is how we instinctively began breathing when we were born.

6)      Continue your practice and each time your mind strays, bring it back to your breath by counting, trying to expand the time between your inhalation and exhalation.

With time you will begin to understand why this practice is so valuable and will begin to experience:

-         your body slowing down

-         your breath gets deeper and your diaphragm gets stronger

-         your mind follows and begins to slow down (sometimes kicking and screaming, but eventually giving in peacefully)

-         your heart rate slows down

-         anger, depression and anxiety abate

-         pain symptoms relax

-         your thoughts become clearer

-         and much more

Commit to practicing of Doing Nothing everyday and work your way up to 20 minutes.  This takes concentration and with practice, there will come a time in between your breathing that your thoughts and any outside disturbance will halt.  The space between your thoughts is where you will find the balance between calmness and tension and it is in this space where nothing (and everything) can happen.

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