Practice

To be present is the most fundamental generosity of all. When there is nothing else to do, when we are in a situation that seems hopelessly blocked, there is still one thing we can do: we can be there.
~ Lewis Richmond, Work as a Spiritual Practice

DE-STRESS BREATH

Breathing is the best and most natural tool to help relieve stress, tension and anxiety. It helps to calm all of our systems, oxygenates and energizes, cleanses and helps to release toxins.

To de-stress using your breath, simply stop, notice your body and then breathe deep and slow, filling your lungs completely so that your belly expands. When you breathe out, breathe out slowly as well, emptying completely. Always try to breathe in and out through your nose to help warm, cleanse and regulate the air.

Whenever you are feeling tense, upset, overwhelmed or stressed, take a few of these de-stress breaths. I recommend doing 10 of these breaths once every hour, even if you aren’t feeling overwhelmed. It’ll help for those times that “sneak up” on you.

It takes less than one minute to complete 10. We all have a minute!! Stay present to each one, gently closing your eyes if that's appropriate. No one will know that you are doing it except they may notice a general state of calm in you.

IMPACTS OF STRESS on OUR BODY

Here are some of the impacts stress has on our body. Many are hidden underneath the surface, coming to our awareness when there is a physical pain or medical crisis. By proactively reducing our stress throughout the day and integrating supportive stress reduction practices, we can eliminate much of the pain, strain and malfunction that we experience. Disease = Dis-Ease.

BRAIN & NERVES - Headaches, feeling despair, depression, lack of energy, sadness, anger, irritability, increase/decrease eating, trouble concentrating, memory & sleeping problems, perceptual narrowing.
SKIN - Acne, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, constriction of vessels
MUSCLES & JOINTS - Aches, tension, increased risk of reduced bone density, constriction
HEART - Faster heartbeat, rise in blood pressure, increase risk heart attack, high cholesterol, hypertension
RESPIRATORY - rapid & shallow breathing, hyperventilation, asthma impact
ENDOCRINE - adrenal glands, liver and pancreas impact stress hormone levels, increase risk of diabetes
DIGESTION - Irritable Bowel Syndrome, diarrhea, constipation, digestive issues, nausea, weight gain
REPRODUCTIVE - Women irregular/more painful menstruation. Men lower sperm count, impotence, reduced sexual desire
IMMUNE - Lower recovery rate from illness

A Better Way to Live Alone
Bhaddekaratta Sutta ~ Buddha

Do not pursue the past.
Do not lose yourself in the future.
The past no longer is.
The future has not yet come.
Looking deeply at life as it is
In the very here and now,
The practitioner dwells
In stability and freedom.
We must be diligent today.
To wait until tomorrow is too late.
Death comes unexpectedly.
How can we bargain with it?
The sage calls a person who knows
How to dwell in mindfulness
Night and day
“one who knows the better way to live alone.”