I often have client’s tell me that they don’t know how to relax. My response is, ‘do you ever sigh’ – I always get a yes.
A sigh is the body’s way of relaxing or calming down. Take a moment to mimic a sigh. What happens? You take a short deep breath in, and then you let it out long and slow. That is the rhythm of a sign. Breathe in short and deep, breathe out long and slow. Even when you mimic a sign you get the same benefit, notice on the exhalation how your body naturally relaxes.
Recall the times that you may have sighed in the past, it is really a multifunctional response. If you are totally at bliss, you sigh. If you are frustrated, you sign. The mind and body know what you need.
So when things are trying and you hear someone’s words in your head saying, just breathe – do it. You are doing it anyway, so focus on the action and accept the benefit. It is no accident that one of the easiest forms of meditation is focussing on the breath. Breathe in to the count of five, hold for 2 and then breathe out for five. If the count of five is too much then start at 4, 3 or 2 – it does not matter, as long as you start.
The mind and body are wonderful they give you every tool and resource that you need to live a peaceful and happy life. Sometimes we just need to remind ourselves and consciously practice what comes naturally.
A challenge over the next week. As often as you can, take time out to focus on your breath. I would love to hear as the week progresses what you notice.
Have a fantastic Sunday.
Deb
