Does your mind race at night, making it hard to fall asleep?
Do you want to start a meditation practice, but it seems too hard to fit it in?
Want to learn an almost instant calm-inducer?
Here’s one of my favorites. It doesn’t require any experience with meditation or a special seat.
In the latest episode of LifeyumTV I demonstrate one of the simplest ways to find immediate calm — your breath. I teach Dr. Andrew Weil’s relaxation breath in my yoga classes, workshops, retreats and I use it myself.
The Simple Steps:
- Inhale through your nose for a count of four
- Hold for a count of seven (relax your shoulders if they’ve crept up)
- Exhale through your mouth for a count of eight
- Repeat three more times.
This can be done anytime, anywhere…including the walk down the hall between meetings, the elevator, before you go to sleep, or even while driving.
Eckhart Tolle says: “Be aware of your breathing. Notice how this takes attention away from your thinking and creates space.” This breathing exercise is a terrific way to create some space between your ears.
Inhale.
Exhale.
Love to you!
Love this Lisa … how often I forget to breathe. It’s so easy to get caught up in the busyness of life – particularly around this time … just go shopping and you feel tense! Thank you … Namaste
Oh how I hear you, Vanessa! No matter how much I mentally prepare to keep it simple and about togetherness, the buy-buy-buy and more-more-more sneaks in. I’m breathing with you from across the pond. xo
What a perfectly delicious gift to share this time of the year.
When all else fails we can come back to the breath!
So much love & deep gratitude for your generous heart.
Thank you, dear Christine, and you’re so right about coming back to our breath. Love you!
Thanks for this, Lisa! I’ll try it at night. Even though I’m physically tired when I’m ready for bed, my mind is off to the races the minute I lie down – oy!
Stacey: What an apt description “off to the races” — that’s often me, too. I’ve found even exhaling twice as long as the inhale has a calming effect.
Looking forward to seeing you and coming to one of your cooking classes this year!