Sunday Reset
Mindful Moments
We don't always have 30-minutes to sit for a meditation practice, and yet that adds to the beauty and opportunity of a life-long practice. At CMP we often share that mindfulness is a portable, affordable, flexible tool to support wellbeing. Take it with you, wherever you go!
Today I thought I'd share some mindfulness tid-bits - little moments or techniques to add to your toolbox. I'm curious to know what you think - so be sure to send me an email later on! :)
Rollercoaster Breathing - with rollercoaster breathing, use the index finger on one hand to trace the other hand - inhaling as you trace up a finger and exhaling as you trace down - completing the entire hand.
We shared this technique with high school students in Bridgeport, and one of them loved it so much he recorded it for us - check it out. (PS. It's in Portuguese but you'll be able to follow along). Click here.
Finger Tapping - using one hand start by tapping the index finger to the thumb with an inhalation. Then tap the middle finger to the thumb with the exhalation. Next tap the ring finger to the thumb, inhaling. Exhaling as you tap the pinky to the thumb. Some people like adding a 4-word affirmation with the breath - for example I AM HERE NOW. or make up your own meaningful phrase. Repeat as often as you'd like.
A Doorway Breath - a doorway is a portal (an opening or passage) we walk through to get from one place to another. Use the doorway as a reminder that something might be different on the other side. We may encounter different people, circumstances, or events when we walk through to the next space. Use the doorway to pause, even placing one hand on the doorway. In that moment of pause, take a big breath in and out. It's a great way to slow down and walk into the next room with mindful awareness and intention.
Panoramic View - if you ever find yourself stressed, full of self-referential thoughts, or even spending too much time in front of a screen (a narrowed, fixed point), step outside and look to the furthest possible point and the expanded space. Now pause and take a few breaths. When we shift our perspective in this way, we expand our awareness and create an opportunity for a new perspective. The nervous system shifts into a more relaxed state and our mind shifts from tight and contracted to open and spacious.
There are endless possibilites and I look forward to sharing more in subsequent newsletters.
How do you take your practice on the go?
Of course I'm curious to hear from you. What's on your mind? Send me an email.
Warmly,
Julia
Thank you for being part of our community.
Below are some of my favorite resources that I like to take with me as I head out into the world.