There are so many wonderful people I know going through significant issues right now -- divorce, moving, foreclosure, loss of a loved one, new job, health concerns, etc. Change is never easy. You feel as if you are on a neverending roller coaster ride - with bad news followed by good news followed by bad and so on. Our bodies react in kind -- sweaty hands, shortness of breath, stomachs out of control, tension headaches, backaches, and more. You awaken in the middle of the night, reminding yourself of what you didn't do or what went wrong, instead of congratulating yourself for the other 150 things that you did well.Here's a tip to stop the insanity (thanks to a recent workshop I attended by my Salem State Alumni friends and Dr. Jefferson Prince from Mass General). Practice "mindfulness." The next time you start to think worrisome, negative thoughts about yourself or your situation, try to concentrate on your breathing instead. Place your hands on the top and bottom of your belly button, and just feel the rise and fall from a few slow, deep breaths. Perhaps think a kind word to yourself such as "love" or "light." Eventually, you will train your mind to concentrate more on the "now" than on what you cannot control. Instead of thinking of what always comes next, try to just "be" for a few moments several times a day. Your mind and body will thank you for it.
Life happens, with much of it outside of our control. Your mind is incredibly powerful; negative thoughts can overtake you. The practice of mindfulness can get you back on track, building resiliency. It gives your mind a much deserved vacation, if only for a few minutes each day. Namaste, my friends. I recognize the divine spirit in each of you. Knowing it can help, won't you do the same for yourself?
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