Reflection (Unit 2)

I have been feeling too stressed lately and looking for a healthy way to handle it.  I have been eating better and trying to get enough sleep, which is helping, but sometimes it seems like it is not enough.  I listened to the exercise called "Journey On" where a calm voice walks the listener through a series of thoughts about moving blood from the abdominal area to the extremities, specifically the hands, to promote muscle saturation and flexibility.  The voice leads the listener through the process in a calm, serene voice as the thoughts lead the blood into the hands and eventually, back into the abdominal cavity.

My personal experience was that I could feel my hands get heavier and heavier.  There was an overwhelming sense of weight and heat in my forearms and hands.  When I lifted my hands, they literally felt heavier.  (It was recommended to remove a watch but I never wear a watch; I find them stressful.)  With every deep breath and focused thought I could feel the changing in the diameter of the blood vessels channeling blood to where my mind was asking for it to go.

I tend to hold stress in the muscles of my forearms.  They get tight when I am not at peace.  This exercise was great because it focused on sending blood to that area and it really had a relaxing effect on my whole body and mind.  After focused thinking and breathing for about 20 minutes, I felt calmer, more focused and ready for the task at hand.

I know that meditation is beneficial to me- I have no doubt.  Yet, I still have issues convincing myself that the time spent meditating is "worth it", especially when I am already rushed and stressed for time!  What a vicious circle that can be!  Making myself stop for 20 minutes per day to reflect, meditate, think, focus, breathe or whatever I choose to call it, is something I am going to strive to make a conscious effort to do.  I believe the benefits are limitless and I am the only one in control of the simple decision to improve my wellness through a little old fashioned relaxation~