Traditional meditation may not be for everyone. Personally I’ve found it very useful, especially when my chest is being gripped by anxiety and I’m struggling to breathe. I put on a guided meditation and concentrate on the soothing voice and voila, the anxiety subsides. It’s not always been that easy, but seems I’ve found my groove now. Which is fanfreakingtastic to say the least.
Many years ago I had a series of habits; some would call them ‘ticks’. Pretty sure it stemmed from the hundreds of fitness classes I’d taught, even personal clients I’d trained, where I’d just count repeatedly. Counted reps. Counted rest. Just counted. It felt like I’d spent thousands on education and certifications to be able to count to 12. Maybe 15. Anyway…
I’d count. I’d count my steps. I’d count to ten repeatedly while waiting in line at the food store. I’d count beats in a song. Some may think this maddening. I’d found it grounding. Even relaxing.
Then I’d progressed into finger tapping. I’d tap my thumb to each of my finger pads, back and forth and forth and back. I remember running on the treadmill and a very successful and well known runner in town approached me. He’d basically walked up and said, “Stop doing that; you’re wasting energy.” He’d never ever spoken with me prior and I was taken back when he spoke now. I’m not sure if I was more surprised that he’d cared enough to offer advice or that I’d actually been doing this for miles. Either way, it was my zone. Each time I’d board a plane and usually for the duration of the flight. I’d tapped. Now of course, tapping is a ‘thing’…who knew?
Meditation and soothing techniques don’t just belong to the yogis; although they have it mastered for sure.
In these days of seemingly endless stress, it’s as easy as changing what you tell yourself. Like, “I have to go to work today.” How about, “I get to have another day of gainful employment.” Also, “I have to work out today.” It’s a whole different mindset when you change it to “I get to workout today!” Make it less of a chore and more of a privilege; after all, it is a privilege and one that not everyone gets to experience. Just by changing your words, you are changing your outlook. Simply change ‘have’ to ‘get’ and see how wonderful your world becomes.
As you’re waiting in a store with long lines, or sitting in a traffic jam, or any other inconvenience, take the moment to remind yourself ‘I’m right where I am supposed to be.’ Take a deep breath or two, count something down, and feel your stress evaporate. It’s a choice to make a change, but with some practice, you’ll see the differences it can make in your days.
Namaste.
Gym Girl Dana 