Sunday Reset - The STOP Sign - June 21
Carry It With You - Integration & Quick Tips
Based on your emails, many of you really appreciated last Sunday's RAIN email! Thanks for sharing your feedback! It helps me understand what you find meaningful.
I thought I'd share another acronym and way to integrate mindfulness into your daily life, so you can take it with you on-the-go. This technique uses the STOP sign as a tool for instruction, integration, and inspiration. Let's get to it!
As the young Ferris Bueller once shared, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." The stop sign IS the way to stop and look around, so that you don't miss the present moment!
S - Stop! Life is moving pretty fast. It's ok to press pause.
T - Take a breath. When we take a big breath in and out, a message is sent up the vagus nerve to our brain that helps us regulate and calm our system.
O - Observe the body, thoughts, and emotions. Notice any sensations in the body, what's on your mind, are there any emotions present? How are you - right here, right now?
P - Proceed with awareness. Now that you've stopped, taken a regulating breath, and observed how you're doing in the present moment, you can proceed with renewed awareness, clarity, and regulation. Enjoy!
STOP - In Real Life
On Saturday we threw a graduation party for my daughter who just graudated with her BS in Electrical Engineering (YAY!). It was a real all-hands-on-deck affair, setting up a tent, making sure we had enough food, preparing accommodations for senior citizens, and keeping the ice cold on a very hot day! And while parties are incredibly fun, they are also a tremendous amount of work. Mid-party, in the middle of chatting with guests, tidying tables, and refilling snack bowls, I noticed that I was feeling a bit overwhelmed.
Insert STOP.
I stoppedin the middle of what I was doing (tray of cookies in hand, walking down our porch steps).
I took a big breath in and out- and noticed the words of our dear facilitator, Sara, in my mind “offer yourself a nurturing breath” and so I did.
Iobserved how I was feeling. It was a general sense of feeling frazzled and overwhelmed. I was rushing around. My body was tired from days of prepping for the party. In the moment of pause I looked out at the party and saw that everyone was having a great time. People were relaxed and happy, and connecting over conversation, confections, and cornhole! ;) I felt so very happy for my daughter - surrounded by friends and loving family, celebrating her incredible accomplishments. It was beautiful moment of noticing. I'm glad I didn't miss it in my busyness.
I proceeded with awareness. I carried out my chore of bringing more treats to the table and then went to sit with a group of friends. I relaxed and laughed, with a renewed mindset that I, too, was allowed to enjoy this moment.
One More Thing Worth Knowing
The Stop Sign of Awareness is part of our 6-Week Intro to MBSR program, offered periodically throughout the year. If you enjoyed this mindfulness tool, you may enjoy Intro to MBSR. The program returns this September.
Do you use the Stop Sign practice? We'd love to hear what it's like for you.
What's on your mind? Send me anemail.
Warmly,
Julia
Check out Lisa & the Stop Sign below!
And for those who are looking for a Ferris Bueller fix - keep scrolling! :)
14-Min. Finding Your Home Base Meditation
Why a Deep Breath Works: The Science of the Vagus Nerve
Join our Free Program: Eat Mindfully, Live Kindly