I’ve learned from talking to other people that even when we have the gift of kindness we are not always kind and considerate to ourselves. Life in the 21st Century is not easy. We have too much to do and too little time to do it. So, we press on. We expect a lot from ourselves, especially in the workplace.
The next three lessons we will practice how to be kind to ourself. We will de-stress. It’s important that you remember to be kind to yourself. Remember, this is “practice”.
I say that because I think meditation has been given a bad rap. When I first started doing meditation there seemed to be rules.
I have to admit I wasn’t sure I would be able to sit for long periods of time.
It’s not that I didn’t want to meditate…I just wasn’t sure I could still my mind for long periods of time.
I went to a conference around 25 years ago where I had the opportunity to speak with others who practiced Spiritual Direction. That’s when was reminded that Spiritual Practices focus on ‘practicing’.
By starting small and practicing through the years, I learned to relax for longer periods of time. I still do not plan though. I simply give God permission to guide me.
For this first workplace Practice, sit in a comfortable space. Place your feet flat on the floor and open your hands palm up in your lap. (You can sit at your desk or get away from your desk. It’s entirely up to you).
You can either close or open your eyes.
Relax.
Breathe and rest in your core, your center.
Gently breathe in and out for as long as you want.
With each breath feel your body relax more. When you breathe out you are letting go of stress.
Breathe in life, breath out stress.
If you have pain (maybe in your shoulders or arms) with each breath release the pain.
Let it go away.
This is not a timed exercise so you can stay in this ‘place’ for as long as you want.
In God, Deborah
acrazyjourney.com
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