by Silvia Mordini
We all form habits as we go through life. When we realize that we are creatures of habit and that those very habits often keep us stuck in patterns we can finally begin to break unhealthy habits, only then can true spiritual growth begin.
In order to change, we have to change something. When you look at what you want for your life direction, you may find that something has to change from the way you’ve been living. By consciously understanding which habits no longer serve you, then you are able to realize your best transformation. This is the basis of why a cleanse serves your best health. It renews your awareness of what you’re doing and not doing.
If we want to develop healthier habits like a self-care program to curb the chaos to reduce our stress then we have to get to know ourselves better. Meditation is the most accessible means to learn about yourself. Here is a straightforward Meditation to promote awareness. Love yourself, love your day, love your life! Silvia
Meditation: Watching the Breath
Sit in a comfortable position, either cross-legged on the floor or in a chair. Sit up tall with your spine straight, shoulders relaxed and your chest open. Rest your hands on your knees with the palms facing up. Relax your face, jaw, and belly. Let your tongue rest on the roof of the mouth, just behind your front teeth.
Allow your eyes to lightly close. Concentrate on the tip of your nose.
Breathe slowly, smoothly and deeply in and out through the nose. Let the inhale start in the belly and then rise gently up into the chest. As the breath slows and deepens, let go of any thoughts or distractions and allow the mind to focus on the breath. Feel the breath as it moves in and out of the body, feeling it move through the nose, throat, windpipe and lungs. Feel the body as it rises and falls with each breath. Bring as much of your awareness and attention to your body and breath as possible with each moment. As the thoughts return to the mind, let them go, and return the focus back to the body and breath.
To help your concentration, you can count every out-breath as one, and count from 1 to 10. When you arrived at 10, simply start at 1 again. All the attention is with the feeling of the nose and the counting, nothing more, nothing less.
Regularly check yourself if you are still concentrated, do not get upset when distracted, simply return to counting from 1.
Practice for 5-15 minutes. Just before the end of the session, release the concentration on the counting and the tip of your nose, and simply be aware of how you feel for a minute or so. Gently let your eyes blink open, inhale your palms together in front of your heart, exhale and take a moment or two to dedicate positive energy of the way you feel into the rest of your day.
