Slow Down, Go Within

In the hustle and bustle of our every day lives we can easily fall in to auto pilot mode. We live in busy times where we are constantly connected to our jobs, school, or we are running around doing errands in the few extra hours we have in a day. How often do you stop and sit quietly to still your mind? It is so difficult for us, and yet it is so important to find the time each day to quiet the mind and go within. Allow yourself the time to slow down and listen to your inner guide. We have all the answers we need, they are within. We tend to neglect this piece of us because we are so busy taking care of everyone else. The suggestion is that we take at least 45 minutes a day to meditate...okay, now I know that seems overwhelming to most people, so let's take baby steps. 5 minutes, we can all find 5 minutes. Or taking your lunch break, sitting in your car and sitting quietly, or listening to a guided meditation. We do have these wonderful electronics that can help us slow down - perhaps you can access youtube on your phone and listen to a guided meditation. If not, that is okay too! Take 5 minutes and focus on your breath, taking deep breaths in and out. Focus your attention on your breath and every time a thought comes up, just let it float by and refocus on your breath. While closing your eyes focus on the area right behind your eyes, perhaps you see a small light, keep breathing. And do this for 5 minutes. You will be amazed at what taking this time does for the rest of your day. You will feel calmer, and more relaxed. If you can do this several times a day, even better.

If you want to learn about meditation, there are so many wonderful books and videos out there. Look them up and just see which ones speak to you. I had the wonderful opportunity of going to a week long meditation retreat in Colorado with Reggie Ray. It was overwhelming to go, I fought with myself thinking I wouldn't be able to be silent for a week, and sit and meditate for hours a day, but it ended up being one of the best experiences of my life. So many of us fear being with ourselves, and yet being with ourselves in quiet space really opens up your ability to handle life so much better. I encourage you for the next week to find some time in your day to sit in quiet and focus within. Even if it is just focusing on breathing in and out, it will do wonders for you. Some great people to listen to are: Reggie Ray, Louise Hay, Esther and Jerry Hicks, Pema Chodron and so many others. These folks just happen to be my favorite to listen to. Mediation is powerful, it can take away anxiety, depression, it can help heal diseases, and most of all it helps you guide yourself in life. Read about it, research it I promise you won't be disappointed. Here is an article that is great to get you started. I hope you find the time to rest and recharge, and most of all slow down in this busy world we live in. Namaste :)