STOP, DROP AND BREATHE

After many years of discussing the importance of working out (moving more) and eating well (eating clean, with less processed ingredients and eating less overall), I have begun to realize that perhaps it’s time to dig a little deeper into other areas of our lives that can improve our overall health and well-being.

Do you ever feel a little run down and tired during the day?  Maybe there is a certain time of the day where you just feel wiped out and that’s when you reach for a coffee… or perhaps some Red Bull… or a wee-bit of chocolate:  just a little something to give you a boost.   Something to perk you up and get you back on your feet.  And usually what we reach for is SUGAR.

Well, I want to talk about a great way to RECHARGE your batteries and REFOCUS your mind that doesn’t involved the UP and DOWN ride that sugar or caffeine can give you, something that you can do just about anywhere and anytime, that can help you get back on track.

Here is a simple and effective method that can help you achieve a deeper level of PRESENCE… and you can do it right now.   PRESENCE is a powerful state of being because so many of us are NOT present to the world around us.  We are BLIND and DEAF to what is going on around us because we are so distracted by our thoughts, our phones and other outside distractions that pull us OUT OF THE MOMENT.

We worry about the past or the future and end up spending a lot of time doing what I call FIGHTING THE MOMENT.  What I mean by that is that we are focused on (and fighting) what is happening in the moment because it does not match a preconceived idea in our minds OR we are focused on things we can’t do anything about, things outside our circle of influence.  These are things that we REACT to, but can’t really change.  It’s a constant battle with yourself (too bad it doesn’t burn more calories) which can really drain your mental and emotional energy.

STOP, DROP and BREATHE

However, if you practice taking just 1 minute to stop, close (drop) your eyes, and just breathe deeply a few times, you’ll be amazed how much more present you can be!  And, you will also find you can better let go of so many things you are carrying around, and that, when you let go of them, you find you are more open to the world and the solutions that you CAN use to move forward.

You will also feel lighter, more focused and more relaxed. You’ll find you have a new perspective, a new way of looking at the world, and often, the solutions to your “problems” will reveal themselves automatically.  It’s like UNBLOCKING yourself and opening the door to possibilities.   I know it may sound a little “out there” but I am telling you, it can create a whole new level of consciousness.

Now of course, the challenge is not just getting there, but staying there.  And that’s why it’s called a practice!

So why don’t you take a minute right now to slow down, close your eyes and just breathe for 1 minute.  Let go of tension and stress with each exhale and just see what happens.  Give yourself permission to let go of whatever issue or problem that you are carrying around … and just be.  You may just find yourself more PRESENT with a heightened level of focus, energy and awareness of the world around you in a way you may have not felt for many, many years.

Just, please, don’t try this while driving!

Good luck.

Phil Dozois, Owner – Breakthru Fitness