My Resistance-Busting Mantra

BREATH • WALK • EAT • HUG

Ever found yourself saying something like this?

I’m in resistance and I’m frustrated. I can’t find my way out of a paper bag.

 

 

Check out this guy. He’s clearly resisting something he has to do or has to face. I’m sure you’ve been there – even on a daily basis. Is this resistance a bad thing or……?

Sometimes resistance is necessary. Recently I resisted reaching out to my Florida clients in preparation for my next trip. I worried that it might not be as successful as last year. No one will want to book me for a group or a presentation. The drive is daunting. You name it and I was thinking it. I even got my dowsing pendulum out to see if this day was a good day to do this. NO it said. Was this just my block? Then a couple of weeks later, I dowsed again and it was a strong YES. And guess what, all fell into place almost instantly. The lesson? Trust your resistance at times and be prepared when you’re ready to take action.

My Resistance-Busting Mantra

On my last trip to Florida, I attended a meditation group run by my host, Sandy. I don’t do much meditation, so it was refreshing to just BE with the group and with myself. Had some breakthroughs as a result. Sandy shared an article from the local paper called Mindfulness 101. Perfect for me then and perfect for me right now. And really simple “why don’t I live this way every day” stuff.

I talk a lot about mindfulness practice with my clients but realize how much I need it on a regular basis. Thought I would share these simple tips with you. Hope they inspire you to BE and BE WITH more. And don’t forget, mindfulness is free and available to you wherever you go. And it might just bust a little resistance.

 

BREATHE MINDFULLY

Do you notice when you are holding your breath? How about now? There are many simple breathing techniques that I use (when I remember) to inspire, focus, energize myself. Quiet meditation (even for 5 minutes) or yoga are perfect ways to focus on your breathing. When your mind wanders, go back to your breath. In out, in out. Make a practice of noticing your quiet breathing as you drive, as you walk, as you cut carrots, when you wake up or go to bed. Powerful stuff that breath of yours. CONTACT ME to explore some more easy techniques to use.

 

WALK MINDFULLY

We walk to get places everyday; we walk to get our exercise quota or to walk our dog; we walk and talk to friends. All good. How about trying a moving meditation all by yourself. Notice that breath, how you feel, the weather, the sounds around you.

“Walking meditation is not a means to an end; it is an end.

Each step is life; each step is peace and joy.”

~Thich Nhat Hanh

Go on-line and you’ll find some lovely sites all about walking meditation.

 

EAT MINDFULLY

I love good food, and I eat too fast. A mindful eating practice is needed here so I can savor every bite. Have you every tried the raisin meditation? An exercise in stimulating all the senses, sloooooowly. Check it out the raisin meditation.

 

And finally, my favorite:

HUG MINDFULLY

Hopefully you get hugs. I love hugs and never get enough of them. I know some of us are uncomfortable and would prefer a hand shake or a pat on the arm or back. No worries – but I’d like you to consider the benefits of a hug both physiological and emotional. Check out this article- Seven Reasons Why We Should Be Giving More Hugs.

When you hug someone, don’t let go until you both feel your bodies relaxing. You’ll know if someone feels uncomfortable – but stay with it just a little longer. The act of hugging can align your nervous system so you feel more connected.

For those less into hugging, for now, try this with a simple hand shake. Look into their eyes and hold on comfortably, consciously and firmly for a little more time than usual.

Culture alert: Not all cultures feel comfortable even with the eye contact, firm hand shake so be sensitive to different cultures.

We all do need a hug, tho’. Eight hugs a day prove to be a prefect #!  Go for it.

 

Any tips from you are much appreciated. What’s your experience with resistance and mindfulness?

Well, I’m off to do a little yoga and to eat a raisin afterwards. Feeling less resistant to jumping into that next big project!