With the world around us being totally out of our control (as if things ever are/were in our control), one of the practices to lean on (in order to not fall into deep despair) is to consciously and mindfully breathe.
And by breathing I don’t only refer to the the process of moving air in and out of your lungs, but to the art of taking the time to concentrate on yourself and your needs. Nurturing our inner life is an extraordinarily important aspect of this time and yet we completely neglect it, don’t we?
We’re so busy trying to make sure that everyone else is taken care of, busy numbing out with food or scary (Facebook) conversations, busy entertaining our kids and somehow working from home at the same time, that we deny our bodies and souls the nourishment, focus and compassion they desperately need. And you know that the longer we allow all of that to go on, the more inner balance we lose, the more we’ll run on empty, which will not end well, will it?
If you’re not in balance with yourself, then how are you going to make it through these weeks or months without falling apart in ways that are definitely not going to serve your Highest Good?
You won’t, which is why it’s crucial for you to make the time to BREATHE deeply this very moment and every day for the time to come.
B.R.E.A.T.H.E.
Be.
Right now, allow yourself to have minutes (or even mere seconds) to simply be in the moment, become aware of your body, your thoughts and feelings. For most of us there is a huge gap between our physical self and the person that’s hidden inside. By sitting still and becoming aware of what your senses notice, especially those almost imperceptible inner yearnings, you can find a way back to your profound strength.
Reclaim.
Reclaim your body and food choices as your own.
If Facebook, Insta and Co. have heightened your fears of weight gain and eating emotionally during this time, you’re not alone. Social media with all its self-proclaimed weight loss coaches is using this chaotic time to further their agenda of making you feel like shit for having a body and an appetite. It’s time for you to reclaim what is already yours and define beauty, bliss and a sense of well-being for yourself.
Exhale.
Exhale all the negative emotions that have piled up inside.
They might be related to work, the strain that these times have taken on your relationships, your eating patterns, financial anxieties or the general feeling of overwhelm and powerlessness that have taken hold of your mind. Taking eleven very conscious inhales and long, deep exhales releases tension and relaxes that tight grip around your heart area. Every additional conscious breath grounds you and gives you clarity, even in the most stressful situations.
Allow.
Allow yourself to be loved, especially by yourself.
Love is powerful, essential and – right now and in every moment – crucially healing. Everything good in this world results from deep love, even self-acceptance and self-confidence. Don’t direct all your love only to your family and relationships, but love yourself first.*
Transform.
Transform your negative self-talk into positive, loving and self-nurturing messages.
Your head is filled with doubt, deep anxiety, irritation and maybe even disgust, but you are the master over your mindset. Every time a deeply troubling thought crosses your mind, instantly negate it with a compassionate message. The more often you practice this rather simple (but yeah, it takes discipline) practice, the more you’ll automatically welcome more hopeful thoughts first, which will transform your entire way of seeing yourself and the world.
Heal.
Heal your sad and broken heart.
Let’s face it, we’re all heartbroken and lost seeing what is going on all over the world. And even before this crisis, you’ve probably had your crosses to bear (I certainly have!). Yet you can heal whatever wounds you hold and transform those deep hurts into majestic and bold pillars, upon which you can build a future beyond your wildest dreams. It will not happen over night, but if you do the work – and I mean really do the freaking work -, and push through the tough times, you will come out the other end as a deeply loving, fierce and bold force to be reckoned with.
Enjoy.
Yes, it’s hard. Yes, it hurts. Yes, it’s awful.
AND yes, we still get to enjoy – deeply, physically – the beauty of this world, the wonders that surround us. Always.
Make it a point to look up more often and take in whatever it is you see; whether it’s a beautiful bouquet of flowers, a grey sky with phenomenally artistic formations of clouds, houses with details you’ve never noticed or the most breathtaking view of a mountain right behind your home. There’s beauty all around you. Don’t let it go unnoticed.
Practicing these steps and creating this deeper kind of awareness will be life-saving for you in these tumultuous times. It’ll help you to stay centered, live from your core and even thrive in the messiness that you are surrounded by.
*If you have no freaking clue how to do that or what that even means, take these steps seriously and then reach out to me in order for us to create a path to being okay with being with yourself and loving who you’re with right now. Now’s the time to dive in deep and eradicate the blocks and deep thought forms that have been keeping you from loving – or even liking and recognizing – yourself. Book your Discovery Call with me now, so that we can make sure you start that change today.
