Your Body Has a Relaxation Switch: Turn it On

Your body has a relaxation switch that you can literally turn on, at will, to help you calm down and focus on being in the present moment, fully aware of your senses. This switch is invisible and all powerful, like the wind.  This switch is your inhalation breath through the nose.  It is the very first thing you do when you are born and the very last thing you do when....you move on to happy acres.  As an infant, you were very skilled at taking long inhalations and "big belly" breaths.  As you watched your parents and caregivers breathe more shallowly, you started doing it too.  It's a shame for every one of us.  Because, the all powerful inhalation breath through the nose engages the parasympathetic nervous system in your body that says:  RELAX! . RELax.  Really just relax....

The good news is that we can enhance our deep breathing skills by practicing.  Long inhalations through the nose and long exhalations through the nose are for toning the breath.  If you are purging the breath, the exhalation is through the mouth.  As in a deep sigh that says--I am done here.

When I teach yoga, I start every class with a guided meditation breath work.  This creates a transition from the crazy monkey mind that keeps attaching, drawing conclusions, making observations and judging.  It sets the stage for mindfulness (be here, now) in the yoga class.  We don't need to be in yoga class to practice this, however.  We can use the power of the invisible breath to calm us down anywhere at any time.  To be mindful means to be present with your awareness of body, mind and spirit so that you can enjoy the moment as it unfolds.  It helps to reduce stress from rehashing the past or getting anxious over the future.  You do not live in the past or the future.  You live where your body lives--in the present moment always.

There are lots of ways to practice mindfulness.  Tap into your senses.  What do you see, feel, smell, taste and touch right now?  Where are you--notice the temperature, the nature, the clouds, the grass.  How are you feeling in your body, your bones, your muscles?  You can practice mindful eating.  What colors are on my plate?  Where did this food come from anyway?  Who made it?  Who grew it?  What does it smell like?  What does it taste like?  How slowly can I eat this?  How long does it take for this one tiny bite of pineapple to leave my taste buds?

We are hearing so much about mindfulness because our attention is SO scattered, i.e. not mindful or present due to technology and pings and texts and social media.  We are NOT living in the present if we scatter our energy and attention by multitasking and technology.  It makes us sad and frustrated, which means it is not good for our health.

Mindfulness creates calm and intention.  This week. slow down.  Breathe deeply in through the nose and take long exhales out through the nose.  Maybe place your hands on your belly and notice it puffing up as your diaphragm pulls down.  Your internal organs are getting a mini massage--which makes them happy.  Your entire body is flooded with signals that say, calm down and be here now.