Outside Observations #2
Anyone experienced stress this week?
Surely I jest. If you have even peeked at the news, your system certainly perked up. Anxiety, anger, sadness, or higher blood pressure have probably bubbled up from within you at some point.
No matter what the source of provocation may be for you at any given point in time, I offer a simple suggestion.
Walk outside and take 3 deep breaths. Outside, 3, and deep are the operative words here. Each morning after I arrive at work, check news and handle part of my emails, I step outside and take 3 deep breaths. Cleanses the mental palate. Done proactively, this simple practice sets or resets my rudder. Throughout the day or night at certain intervals, I may do it again. Occasionally, these breaths turn into 5, 10, or 30 breathes. Sometimes this routine leads to a long or short walk.
Outside, you change your perspective. Your awareness improves. The smells, sensations, and stimuli help to reset your thoughts. In the 15 to 20 seconds it takes to draw 3 deep breaths, you begin to regain your sacred center.
Outside, you notice and observe…birds, puddles of water, the moisture in the air. Outside, you perceive sounds of soothing repetition and unique beauty. Being outside prepares you to return inside with new purpose as you re-engage with the issues at hand.
Take 3 deep breaths outside.
The research is replete with the positive effects of breathing slowly, focusing your thoughts, and engaging in a variety of stress-reducing techniques. Pick one you like. Load your toolbox with simple tools like these to help navigate tumultuous days.
Worth Repeating
Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts. Whenever your mind becomes scattered, use your breath as the means to take hold of your mind again.
-Thich Nhat Hanh
