I’ve said it before, and will probably say it again, but in this day and age it is hard for most people to keep their minds focussed on one subject for more than a few moments.
It is also a fact, that to live, we need to breath.
If we combine these two facts we can, with practice, enhance the quality of our lives.
In times of stress we can deliberately focus on our breathing, slow the heart rate and give our body and its natural choice of flight or fight a chance to kick in. Most of the time, it simply allows us the chance to start thinking straight when something startles us, or we find ourselves out of our comfort zone.
At first, when you try this, the mind will flit from one thought to another, and you might even feel that the meditation is making your mind busier; but in reality you are just becoming more aware of how busy your mind actually is. And more shockingly you will discover how hard it is to bring your mind back to the point of focus.
Your breathing!
You will find that you are probably deluding yourself if you assume you are in control of your thoughts. Now how scary is that? I mean, if someone invaded your home and started telling you what to do, you’d be outraged. But, quietly, sneakily, your mind is enjoying a level of freedom that is setting hidden, subliminal limits and controls on your lifestyle and beliefs.
It will be tempting to follow the different thoughts as they arise, but resist, stay firm, and remain focused single-pointedly on the sensation of the breath.
Every time your mind wanders from your breathing and is following our thoughts, immediately refocus on the breath. Repeat this as often as necessary until the mind settles on the breath.
If practiced regularly in this way, your distracting thoughts will subside and you will experience a sense of inner peace and relaxation.
Much of the stress and tension normally experienced comes from our mind, and many of the problems, including ill health, are caused or aggravated by stress.
By giving yourself permission to enjoy this breathing meditation for ten or fifteen minutes each day, you will not reduce stress but find an inner strength building
within you to face, calmly, situation that previously would have stressed you out.
By taking something your already own, your breath, and honing it into a sharp tool of calmness and tranquility, not only will your mind will feel lucid and spacious but you will feel refreshed.
1 comment:
This sounds so very scifi. I just have to try it. Lord knows I need to focus. Thanks for the post.
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