Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Ohmmmmm

Finally time to write a blog!!!  Sorry readers but shit has been cray over here lately.  The regular business of life mixed with prepping for the move & an intermittently traveling hubby has made for a very busy busy schedule!  Which brings me to today's topic….meditation.

Ohm
Now I am one of those people that thrives in planning.  I LOVE to have every second planned out, however when shit hits the fan, the plan goes crazy, I do NOT thrive.  Being spread too thin is another time when I do not thrive.  I have a tendency to take on too many projects at one time.  All while I expect my house to be immaculate & give 100% to my relationships, my marriage & at work.  Impossible standards, Ashley, HELLO!!!  These are all situations when anxiety and stress get the best of me.  I truly have to tell myself to calm & refocus.  This is when it is necessary for me to meditate.

Meditation is something I have really just discovered in the last year or so.  It is a wonderful tool in order to keep a healthy mind & mind/body connection.  So, I thought it would make for a great topic of discussion while I am in the middle of a tornado & need to stay calm.  Meditation means different things to different people.  For some it is the stereotypical cross-legged posture while humming "Ohhmmmmm" repeatedly.  For others it could be a guided meditation at a studio or through an app.  And sometimes meditation is just taking 5-10 minutes out of the crazy tornado to have some quiet.

5-20 minutes of quiet is harder to find than one would think.  I obviously have to schedule it (duh).  Also, the mere idea of not thinking about anything & just relaxing for a few minutes each day makes some people cringe.  Hey, some days are better than others.  I was at my yoga studio today & stayed for a 15 minute meditation & found my mind all over the map for the first 10!  If your mind takes 10 minutes or more to quiet down it is a sign that you NEEDED the meditation.

Simply Being app
Meditation does not have to be religious or spiritual (although it is for some) it is simply a way to give your brain a break!  If you are a first timer I recommend an app or a guided meditation at a studio.  For example, "Simply Being" is an awesome app that I have used in order to have a little guidance.  Don't want an app or anyone talking??  Than find a comfortable position on a yoga mat or the floor, close your eyes, & focus on the breath in/out your nose.  You could also choose to have soothing music in the background or calming scents around (i.e. lavender….my fav calming smell!)




Stress and anxiety can cause crazy things in the body & mind.  Ever heard the expression, "You're going to give yourself a stroke"?  Not just an expression, I've seen it happen.  So take the time to have some quiet & focus on your breath it's worth the extra couple minutes.

Go ahead and OHHHMMMMMMM, my readers!!! Until next time…

Our sad attempt at a family demo of meditation….ohhhh dogs lol