Showing posts with label breathe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label breathe. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

"Breathe. You can do this."


When we are connected to our hearts, 
we can hear the small voice 
that says with quiet confidence,

"Breathe. You can do this."
Oriah Mountain Dreamer


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Thursday, August 30, 2018

Today remember that you are ALWAYS enough and trust the process ...


Quiet the voice telling you to do more and be more, 
and trust that in this moment, 
who you are, where you are at, 
and what you are doing is enough. 
You will get to where you need to be in your own time. 
Until then, breathe. Breathe and be patient with yourself and your process. You are doing the best you can to cope and survive amid your struggles, and that’s all you can ask of yourself. 
It’s enough. You are enough.


So girls, remember when you are feeling stressed, 
just breathe and know that you are enough!
love, mom

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Tuesday, January 30, 2018

inhale, exhale, savor ...



“Savor life: don’t just breathe it in; 
exhale the moment to intake the next.” 
KC Rhoads

love, mom 

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Monday, November 13, 2017

breathe, deeply, repeat ....

A friendly and needed reminder for us all!!
this print is available on my society6 shop*
As the holiday season approaches and the days are getting darker quicker, making it feel like time is just vanishing, it is very important to remember to breathe!!!
Stress and anxiety are truly unhealthy and can cause serious health issues, so don't get caught on the gerbil wheel. Take time for yourself, even if it is just a minute to sit quietly and breathe.

Quieting yourself is also a great way to approach a quiz, exam or paper.  This is also the time when trimesters are ending and midterms are common.  When it feels like the work load is piling up and you can't think, that is the best time to sit back, breathe deeply and let go.

From personal experience, I can attest to the myriad of negative results caused by stress.  Stress lowers your immune system, making you more vulnerable to germs and viruses (yuck!).
Stress can affect your thinking. Have you ever taken a timed quiz, and while you are timed you can't remember the answers only to have them all flow back into your brain once the clock had stopped?? 
Lastly, you are not at your best when stressed.  Just think about how when you are running late and getting stressed out, these are the times that you more often than not, will lose something or forget something?!? 

So for today, a friendly reminder to us ALL - 

take a moment (even when you feel like you don't have a moment to spare) take a moment to stop, to breathe, breathe deeply, to exhale, exhale fully and let go of stress (as much as possible). XX

love, mom

I am a big fan of the visual reminders!! :)




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Tuesday, November 8, 2016

day69: being out in nature does wonders for the soul, and dancing is good too!!!


Today is Election Day and that means an end to this crazy circus which has been the Presidential Campaign of 2017.  Sadly the madness is not going to end today, there has been too much hatred unleashed.  But hopefully some of the nail biting, insomnia inciting, nightmare making anxiety will be alleviated and we, as a nation, can begin to heal and recover from the damage done by a racist, misogynist, sexist, egotistical candidate that has, hopefully, lost.  

But since we, as a nation, are still in a state of anxious anticipation I thought today would be a good day to remind you of the wonders and healing powers of mother nature.  When you are stressed, sad, anxious, tired, 
go outside 
into the fresh air, being in nature is good for the soul.

When you are feeling 'off kilter' or overly stressed, or full of negative thoughts, or bored, 
GO OUTSIDE!! 
feel the elements on your face and body, the sunshine, the rain, the cold, the warmth.  Let nature remind you to breathe.  
It is also good if you are feeling good, happy, positive, 
GO OUTSIDE!
It is a good daily practice no matter you mood, your health or the current state of affairs. 
  I believe in getting outside, in the fresh air, every day!! 
(And of course Scruffy demands it)

When I stayed in Holland it was encouraged, and basically assumed, that one would go outside for a walk during the day, they called it "Een frisse neus halen" (getting a fresh nose) simply means 'going outside'. In America we might say, getting some fresh air.   
I just love that image!!!

So I have planned a LONG walk for later this afternoon, but I have also found another way to let go of my election angst, watching this glorious video created for Humanity for Hillary.  
This video has lightened my heart and my spirit.  This video shows the American that I love and believe in.  I hope it lifts your spirits as much as it has lifted mine!! 
love, mom (and dance, dance, dance)

OFFICIAL "PANTSUIT POWER" FLASH MOB FOR HILLARY from Celia & Mia for HRC on Vimeo.
WE DANCE
Because Love is Love 
Because Black Lives Matter
Because climate change is real
Because women's rights are human rights
Because immigrants make America great
Because every vote matters
We dance for Hillary
Because she fights for us
We are with her!
and in case this above video is not loading here is the direct link to Vimeo .... click and enjoy!!
and dance, dance, dance!!!



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Thursday, November 3, 2016

day66: step away from chaos



“Don’t be afraid to distance yourself from everyone + everything and recoup. sort out your thoughts. listen to your heart. breathe. read a book. write about how much your life has sucked - then write about how much you can’t wait to see the positive changes. relearn yourself. accept all the hurt you’ve been through. forgive anyone and everyone who’s hurt you. even if that means doing it within, and never physically or verbally reaching out. let go. & rejuvenate. take a step away from the chaos, 
and find peace. within.” 


I love so much about this quote!!! distances yourself from everyone and everything when you are overwhelmed; journal, relearn yourself and find peace.  Great advise for everyone, every day, and especially helpful if you find yourself lost in someone else's drama and chaos.  You need to be aware of those things and those people who bring extra Drama, with a capitol D, into your life.  

We all know people, friends, dear friends and even family members who bring drama with them, for so many different reasons. Some of these folks are more comfortable is a chaotic state then when things are calm, while others believe that those who save them from their drama are their real friends, and others just enjoy the attention that comes from the drama.  But there is really no need for extra drama.  Life is short and has enough ups and downs and trails and tribulations of its own, without having undo drama thrown into the mix. So try to reduce the addition of extra drama and chaos to your life. 

But when you do get overwhelmed, by just your life in general, remember the above quote. 
It is always a good idea to step away and take a breath, find quiet and listen, read and write, accept and forgive, let go and let go again, rejuvenate and find peace, find peace within!!! 
love, mom

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Monday, September 5, 2016

Day8: breathe, deeply, repeat ....


Mindful breathing ... will be another reoccurring theme here.
I can NOT stress the importance of mindful breathing!
There is so much research and documentation about how powerful mindful breathing is, 
and I am continually learning its benefits, as I practice it more and more in my every day life. 


Besides being a basic function of the body that allows us to live, 
being mindful of your breath can help you in numerous situations.  

Mindful breathing can help relieve anxiety and stress.
It can help you concentrate, like before a test or if you need to speak in front of the class?! 

Taking some deep thoughtful breaths can help you make decisions, especially if you are feeling peer pressure or another outside pressure that goes against what you think is a better choice.

Deep breathing can help you if you are frazzled or scattered and not sure what to do.  Just a moment's pause in which you follow your breath can help you figure out what you need to do next!

Deep breathing is especially helpful in a crisis situation! if you can focus on your breathing you can remain calm and then be able to make more grounded and helpful decisions.

Deep, mindful breathing is a free and effective tool that you can use anywhere, anytime, that has been proven to improved both physical and mental health. 

Below are instructions for a 5 minute mindful breathing exercise and a link to the  'breath awareness podcast by Meditation Oasis (which I love all of their guided meditations)

so when you are feeling stressed or worried just breathe!!
love, mom
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/breath-awareness-meditation/id204570355?i=1000356105874&mt=2




1.) Find a comfortable and stable posture either sitting or lying on your back. Allow your back to be straight but not rigid. Let your arms and hands rest in a relaxed position.

Pause here and after each subsequent step.

2.) Close your eyes, if it feels comfortable. If not, soften your gaze.

3.) Bring your attention to the present moment by noticing how you’re feeling physically. Scan your body from head to toe and consciously try to let any tension slip away. Take a moment to notice your environment – any sounds you might hear in the background, what the temperature feels like in the room.

4.) After that, bring your attention to your breathing from three vantage points:
–First, notice the sensation of your breath going in/out of your nostrils or mouth.
–Second, as you breath, pay attention to the rise/fall of your chest.
–Third, notice the rise/fall of your belly as you breath.

5.) Pick the vantage point that seems to be the easiest for you to focus on. Follow the breath for its full duration, from the start to finish. Notice that the breath happens on its own, without any conscious effort. Some breaths may be slow, some fast, some shallow or deep. You don’t need to control the breath, you just need to notice it.

6.) If you find it helpful, you can say “1″ to yourself on each in-breath and “2″ on each out-breath.

7.) Each time your mind wanders away from the breath (and this will happen many times!), notice where it goes and then gently bring your attention back to the feeling of the breath going in and out.

When the mind wanders, you can make a mental note of it. For example, if you drift away from your breath to thinking about the future, you can say to yourself “planning, planning.” If your mind is pulled to a sensation of pain in your body, you can say to yourself “pain, pain.” Or, if you notice you’re focused on something worrisome from the past, you can say “worry, worry” and then gently bring your attention back to the present moment – noticing the breath.

8.) Your mind may wander hundreds of times or more during these 5 minutes – that’s ok and quite natural! Your “job” is to catch yourself when you’ve wandered and to gently bring your focus back to the breath every time, without judging yourself for how “well” or “poorly” you’re doing the exercise.

9.) Try to practice this exercise for 5 minutes (or longer if you’d like) every day, for at least one week. Notice how it feels to spend some time each day just being with your breath.


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Friday, April 15, 2016

Let us all remember to breathe!!!

inhaling, exhaling, inhaling, exhaling.....


Focusing on the act of breathing clears the mind 
of all daily distractions and clears our energy 
enabling us to better connect with the Spirit within. 


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Saturday, June 13, 2015

today, let us relax, breathe, let go and LIVE!!! XXXX




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Thursday, May 21, 2015

a friendly reminder when you are having one of those days;

 breathe . . . deeply . . . repeat . . . 


“I learned there are troubles of more than one kind. 
Some come from ahead, others come from behind. 
But I’ve bought a big bat. I’m all ready, you see. 
Now my troubles are going to have trouble with me.”
Dr. Seuss 


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Wednesday, January 28, 2015

may this dress remind us to be mindful in all that we do . . .


Wash the dishes relaxingly, 
as though each bowl is an object of contemplation. 
Consider each bowl as sacred. 
Follow your breath to prevent your mind from straying. 
Do not try to hurry to get the job over with. 
Consider washing the dishes the most important thing in life.
- Thich Nhat Hanh

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Thursday, January 8, 2015

Today remember to breathe . . . . xxx

'dew kissed . . . ' #fromthelandofdragons
Breathing in, 
I see myself as a flower. 
Breathing out, 
I feel fresh. 

Flower, fresh.
Thich Nhat Hanh



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