In this hustle-bustle busy world we live in today where we are connected to everyone via cellphones, social networks, and 24-hour news channels it is rare that we find someone that says, “Hey, it looks like you could use a little break.” It is usually quite the contrary! This world of ours wants more for less from all of us and I am here to say that maybe, just maybe we need to step up and say, “I require some good old me time today!” Besides, you are the only person that can give this gift to yourself, because no one else will. We ourselves expect more and more of ourselves each year with the added New Year’s Resolutions on top of personal goals and promises we make to ourselves throughout the year.
I can tell you that from living and traveling in many different places over the years I have learned that the benefits of so called “me time” is one of the best things we can give to ourselves. Over the years of my personal research in this field I have found that one of the best ways to really get a good dose of relaxing “me time” is with a simple technique of meditation. I know meditation can be foreign to a lot of us, but if you take some time to explore it you will be all the more better off, but don’t just take my word for it, the proof is in experience itself.
If you have not learned a formal technique my suggestion is find a comfortable seat, close your eyes, and simply pay attention to your breath. To start out take three slow deep breathes. Now, simply allow breathing to happen. Notice that it goes in and out without any effort on your part. It just....happens.
Our mind is an active creature so naturally it will want to wonder off on a number of tangents, and that’s ok, it’s doing it’s thing, now you do your’s and gently bring your mind back to observing your breath. Don’t mind the noise outside, watch your breath. Don’t mind the time, watch the breath. Inhale....exhale....
After you feel you have spent enough time in this relaxed state, introduce the thought to yourself that, “I am planning to get up.” Take a few minutes to stop watching the breath and allow your mind to wonder again. Let it go wild! After a few minutes have gone by peek open your eyes and if you feel the light to be too much, keep your eyes closed for a minute more and then try it again.
The most important part is to be easy with yourself. The rest of the world will be waiting to get more and more out of you, so you take the time you need to transition from that place inner calm to the world of go go go!!
Have a good time and make it a great day.
Stephen Cardinal
