San Francisco, CA – December, 2018 – Since mindfulness keeps you in the ‘here and now’, it is an incredible resource in challenging times. Here are 5 main ways mindfulness can help you and your oved ones during a crisis.
The Power of Hugging
This is a beautiful way to reconnect with yourself and with each other. Whenever you or your loved ones feel distressed, come together for a hug. Gather everyone in your family or workplace, put your arms around each other and hug each other to give each other love and support. This is a beautiful technique to help kids too when they’re stressed. Wrap them up in love and support whenever they are feeling stressed or lonely or hurt.
‘This Too Shall Pass’
When life presents you with something unpleasant, even painful, the mind tries to resist it. This is why many people would go into denial when they or a loved one is diagnosed with an illness or when you lose someone. This is often referred to as ‘denial’. The resistance to pain creates even more suffering.
So, what do you do?
Let’s take the example of an extremely stressful situation. A loved one is in bed, fighting a terminal illness. That’s extremely unpleasant and painful. Fear, anxiety and grief are natural responses of your body and mind. Let them arise and come and go naturally, without suppressing them.
Most people, however, get into ‘why is this happening to me?’ or ‘it’s not fair’. They start fighting with the present moment which creates more suffering and makes them lose touch with themselves. Using the mantra ‘This too shall pass’, helps you accept unconditionally the unfolding of the present moment in any form. It reminds you to let go of the resistance and connects you to ease and peace even in a painful situation. You may repeat it mentally to yourself whenever you are feeling distressed due to an unpleasant situation.
The One Breath
If you have a mindfulness practice, you already know the magic a few deep, conscious breaths can create.
Whenever you’re feeling stressed, close your eyes and take one long, slow, lung-filling, deep breath, or a couple if you wish. This one conscious breath will bring you back to the present and connect you to the present, free of self-judgment or the judgment of others.
Maintain a Daily Practice
Many people who have a daily mindfulness practice tend to abandon it when they need it most – on the days when they’re sick, stressed or tired. And that’s exactly when you need your practice the most. So, keep it going, whether it is a conscious breath, mindful walking or eating.
In addition, do things that nourish you, like eating healthy, swimming, cycling, running, dancing, painting or whatever it is that comes to your naturally and relaxes your mind. Offer and ask for support from your loved ones.
And if nothing else works, remember to just take it all one step and one breath at a time.
To learn more about yoga for strength training, get in touch with the leading life coach in San Francisco, CA, The Big Yogi, Nick Palladino, at nick@thebigyogi.com or call 707-293-5415. Nick inspires, teaches and leads others towards their own light and life purpose.