Ships sink because of the water that gets in them...

I taught meditation today for the online studio. I taught an autogenic training technique. This was the second time I’ve taught this practice and I think it is beneficial. I stumbled upon this method as I was looking at different ways to help reduce stress, anxiety and the myriad of mindsets that go along with those feelings. Autogenic training is a way of relaxing by using the breath and verbal cues to help the practitioner feel calm, relaxed, safe and grounded.

I am going to keep playing with autogenic training techniques for my students and clients. In the meantime, smile. Whenever I feel stressed if I just smile or laugh it helps. It helps me to take the focus off of my stressors and remember my joys. time, that summer is almost over time, that let’s do things outside time. The studio is always a bit slower now, but this year there are additional stressors that are keeping people at home:

· COVID19

· Work from home

· School from home

· Parents managing school from home

· Wearing masks

· Limiting social interactions

· Social distancing

All of these things have contributed to the increase in the stress levels felt today.

I read a quote today after the meditation:

Ships don’t sink because of the water around them; ships sink because of the water that gets in them. Don’t let what’s happening around you get inside you and weigh you down. Anonymous

I know how that feels. I have talked to numerous people this past week that feel like they are weighed down inside.

You know that feeling: you feel heavy inside, you feel anxious and stressed - your heart rate goes up and you feel like something is getting ready to happen and you’re just not ready.

There is nothing I can do about the stressors, but I can encourage self-care and some ways to do that is:

· To focus on the breath as you sit quietly

· Take a walk

· Come to a yoga class

· Take a bubble bath

· Call a positive friend on the phone and chat

· Read, always read J

· Journal how you are feeling

· Sit outside and notice the flowers, or watch the clouds, or just feel the breeze on your face

· Slow you mind down and allow a happy thought to be the strongest feeling you are feeling for a moment.

I am going to keep playing with autogenic training techniques for my students and clients. In the meantime, smile. Whenever I feel stressed, if I just smile or laugh it helps. It helps me to take the focus off of my stressors and remember my joys.

If you are interested in reading more about this, you can go to Yoga Journal online and look up Rick Hanson, Ph.D. Autogenic Training.