Overcoming Stress
In this day and age, our
mental and physical states are constantly under the pressure
of the life we lead. Our expectations in our work environment
and general living standards, places us under excessive amounts
of stress and strain.
And more times than not,
illness, either mental or physical, will begin to manifest
into our lives, making us more frustrated and annoyed with
ourselves and those around us.
Stress is a very deadly
opponent and is greatly widespread in our western world, stress
related illness are on the increase, showing us that we need
to try and create some sort of relaxation and balance into
our lifestyles.
With the constant need
to keep up with mortgages, and general cost of living, our
anxieties and fears can and will override our inner knowing
that we need time out for reflection and rest.
Unfortunately, if we ignore
this inner prompting and need, all to soon we will become
ill, some are lucky and may get a cold or flu, others not
so, they may develop cancer, pneumonia or have a heart attack.
If we are wise enough,
we can have the relaxation we need and continue with our busy
schedules, this can be done with meditation. Meditation will
alleviate the stress we feel, promote a more relaxed state
mentally and physically, enabling us to be more focussed and
efficient.
The following, is a simple
exercise in meditation for the beginner, we recommend that
if you wish to use this exercise that you have a routine such
as in the morning, or evening or if possible mid day.
* Begin by finding a quiet peaceful place to meditate, this
is so that you won’t be distracted by outside influences.
* You may sit in a chair
or lay on the bed.
* close your eyes and
breathe deeply and slowly into your stomach.
* Focus your attention
on your toes and feet and make them relax,
* slowly move up your
body, next do your legs, hips, stomach, chest, shoulders,
back, arms, neck, face and head.
* ensure each part of
your body is relaxed before you move on to the next.
* when you are relaxed,
focus your attention on your breathing, breath deeply and
slowly into your stomach, breathe in through your nose and
out through your mouth.
* you may chose a word
to focus on such as your name, peace love or anything you
feel comfortable with.
* By using a word or mantra,
this will help you control the wanderings of your mind.
* focus on the word as
long as you wish, it is recommend to begin with about ten
minutes, then with practice, you will be able to extend this
time to an hour or two.
* At first you may find
it difficult to concentrate or to keep completely still, all
this is, is the ego mind trying to take control by hindering
the subconscious mind or inner-self from surfacing.
* Be persistent, as with
practice and determination, the ego mind will let go and you
will step into a world of peace, balance and insight.
You will find that
after each session you will be more relaxed and balanced,
allowing you a very simple way of overcoming stress.
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