The following words are exerpted from Living Beautifully with Uncertainty and Change
THREE STEP PRACTICE
First, come into the present. Flash on what’s happening with you right now. Be fully aware of your body, its energetic quality. Be aware of your thoughts and emotions.
Next, feel your heart, literally placing your hand on your chest if you find that helpful. This is a way of accepting yourself just as you are in that moment, a way of saying, “This is my experience right now, and it’s okay.”
Then go into the next moment without any agenda.
I think the reason I love it so much is that it’s simple and grounding. Something about putting your hand on your heart feels nourishing to me and tells my soul that everything is going to be ok.
Do you have something small like this that you do to “get out of your head” and back to the present? Do tell!
Simple and grounding. I love that. I have several super busy-crazy weeks coming up – and this is reminding me – that I’m never too busy to center and ground myself. I deserve it – and I will prioritize fitting it in 🙂
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That’s wonderful to hear, Michael! I need to do the same. 🙂
my belly:) My belly is where I sense my heart
and by placing my hand there it sort of whooshes me
back into that seat of my emotions and will
where I can choose to release control, release demands
(on myself or others….any agendas, any judgements)
and then receive from God, who I believe lives out His love
in that quiet space behind my hand) any forgiveness I need,
and release his forgiveness for any ache, hurt, injustice, guilt, etc
I feel (real or imagined) to any face that comes to mind.
The peace that settles in is the most healing beauty I know.
Yeah, I’d have to say dropping down into my belly:)
love to you and all you carry in there,
Jennifer
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I’d never thought about that as a center of our bodies, but as soon as I read your comment I knew this was true of me too. I sometimes feel vulnerable sleeping unless my tummy is protected by a pillow or crossed arms. And when I’m relaxed, it seems like acceptance and love drop down to my tummy too.
Yoga gets me in the moment. Great three step practice.
How simple and truly lovely, Naomi. I did those steps and felt instantly refreshed and centered. Thanks for sharing! I LOVE Steal Like An Artist by Austin, Kleon. Pure genius that I pick up again and again. Can’t wait to read your thoughts.
~kathy
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I’m so glad. And I hope I don’t disappoint!
I take 2 or 3 deep breaths, sit still, take in my surroundings and then move inside, paying attention to my body sensations and thoughts. I LOVE the idea of putting my hands on my heart, bringing myself home to me and sending me love. Thank you!
I think I definitely underestimate the importance of deep breaths. When I’m trying to get my daughter to sleep, we take a few slow breaths and it works like a charm. 🙂
Such a beautiful simple practice, but so powerful. While I love to put my hand on my heart, I often just pull myself into my heart with my intention. And as I do that I feel myself stepping back from projecting myself into the future, and stepping forward out of the past. And so I truly am in the now.
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I find that a few deep breaths help me a lot. If my dogs or cats are near spending a few minutes petting them seems to center me too. There is something about the purr of my cats or the gentle eyes of my dogs that are so soothing!
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