Even one deep breath lets your body understand that you are switching off the "fight-or-flight" response and turning on the "rest-and-restore" system. Deep, relaxing breaths likewise alleviate anxiety, slowing the heart rate and decreasing blood pressure. (For suggestions, click here.) The decision to take a few deep breaths is a powerful way to assist yourself return in control.
"Worried." "Anxious." "Furious." The remarkable experiment described here shows that identifying your emotions has an immediate relaxing effect. Why? Putting words to sensations moves a few of your brain activity from the emotional areas to the thinking areas of your brain. During your mini-meditation, you can keep your eyes open. I had no concept that eyes-open meditation was even possible, let alone desirable.
We are not practicing meditation in hopes of going even more into sleep, so to speak ... This isn't a transcendental kind of meditation where you're trying to go into special states of awareness. Rather, we meditate to become totally open up to life. So keeping the eyes open really shows this intention to stick with today.
One further advantage: Nobody requires to know that you are privately practicing meditation. You can do any activity mindfully: Strolling in nature, talking with a partner or child, showering, even being in a conference these activities can be done with purposeful intent to concentrate on the present minute.
If you notice that your mind is summoning situations that make you nervous or mad, offer yourself some comforting words. A little self-compassion goes a long way to calm an upset spirit. The Most Complete Run-Down May I be kind to myself in this tough moment" is an example of self-talk that is short and calming.
That's because, to price quote Zen professional Jack Kornfield, "The mind has no pity." When these odd or upsetting thoughts come up, neutralize them by informing yourself, "Just thoughts." Then take a deep breath to counter any tension that your mental chatter might have triggered and re-focus on the present moment.
Some styles will emerge over and over. You will likewise start to notice that your emotions and ideas change and dissolve over time. "This too will pass" is a motto that precisely explains the flow of our mental activity. You do not in fact have to sign up with the parade of thoughts; you can choose what to observe.