I recently read an article that suggested, obtaining the state of Zen is the same as releasing your hand from the cork that is submerged under water. It had the audacity to imply this happens naturally when we remove the “fill in the blank” that holds us down,
After digesting the idea, I wondered if this analogy only applied to those sitting in the lotus position somewhere in the Himalayas. I hazard a guess that those of us closer to sea level oscillate somewhere between the poles of blissfulness and woefulness on a weekly basis.
Surely most of us have to work very hard to achieve a sense of calm, poise and serenity, right?
Some of the steps I take when I’m knocked of my perch include:
Running/Jogging/Walks 🚶🏾♂️🚶
Getting out for a bit of fresh air is a magnificent way to clear the head and gets the endorphins flowing. To use the title of Bessel Van Der Kolk’s best seller, The Body Keeps The Score, so whether we are aware of it or not a run, walk or jog is perhaps the best thing we can do.
Stretching 🙆♀️🙆🏼
It’s not always possible to get outdoors but even 5 minutes of stretching makes a huge difference to how I feel from one moment to the next. Stretching also helps to prevent muscular injuries during physical exercise. I always feel better after a few moments of stretching and it is doesn’t require too much effort.
Mindful Exercises 🧘♀️🧘🏽♂️
These are gaining more popularity in modern times and come under various guises but the process is well known and has been used for thousands of years. For me the most fascinating thing about mindful exercises is how you lose track of time and feel refreshed even after a short period.
I’ve shared some of the steps that help me, I’d love to know how you find yours.
* Zen - a state of calm attentiveness
