Need a Break from Feeling Tense? Try this!
As you know, I’ve used yoga, meditation, Reiki, and other practices the past 20+ years to separate myself from my thoughts, to shift my nervous system, to boost my productivity, and re-wire my neural patterns. These approaches have worked well, but require carving out large chunks of time – and I’ve long craved a simpler approach that can be easily integrated into my day with greater ease.
Recently, I completed a six-week course that complemented and brought together the many practices and executive & leadership frameworks I’ve drawn on over the decades. It has worked so well, in fact, that I find my inner skeptic occasionally poking me and asking: is this really still working?
I’ve greatly boosted my ability to quickly shift from feeling triggered to being able to feel grounded, clear-headed, and resourceful. I am much LESS often caught up in critical judgments about myself, about others, or my circumstances. I am sleeping better and feeling better about all my relationships.
Want to know more? Over the next couple weeks, I will continue to share a selection of the practices I have learned — and also let you know how you can also take this same six-week course at no cost.
2 Minute “Reps” to Reduce Tension & Invite Relaxation*
Try this at least an hour (and ideally longer) after your most recent meal or snack. Practicing this while full can cause discomfort.
Please sit comfortably with your spine straight and relaxed. Your head straight, your chest open, your feet flat on the floor. After you’ve read over this basic practice, set a timer for 2 minutes and follow these steps again with your eyes closed.
Be careful not to hurt yourself as you do this: go ahead and tense up ALL the muscles of your body, from head and toe. Tense up your skull, your forehead, your eyes, your cheeks, your jaws. Tense up your neck, shoulders, arms, and hands. Tense up your chest and stomach. Tense up your seat, thighs, legs, and feet.
As you do this, really notice all your physical sensations, scanning all parts of the body: be fascinated by all aspects of the physical experience of how your body feels when you tense up and tune-in to the sensations.
Then, let go of all that tension. Let go of all of tightening and holding, easing away from the edge of tension, releasing more into the spaciousness that remains after you let go of the tension. Tune into the more relaxed sensations throughout your body. Notice the rise and fall of your chest or stomach with each breath. Take your time and when you feel ready, open your eyes.
Take a final deep breath and resume your normal activity.
Keep an eye out for next Tuesday’s email in which I share a practice to release judgement in support of your happiness and success!
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS ERIN?
As Erin and her family continue their year of nomadic life, they will be exploring different states in the U.S. and also (as restrictions lift) different countries. In July, Erin will be staying with family in the state of Iowa.
