CONNECT • FOCUS • FLOW™

22 Mar Relax – Here & Now

Right now, it can be a challenge for all of us to connect and focus during a global crisis. Where are you?

We are all in different situations. Many of us are worried about our family, friends, humanity and the world. What will happen? Some of us have been in a vacuum during the past week. Maybe you too, have felt the fear of spreading the coronavirus.

It’s real!

At the same time quite a few clients who I had phone consultations with have found relief in the crisis. Why? The world is going at a slower pace. They feel they can catch up and are not lagging behind. It’s a paradox – the world was going at a very fast pace.

Then, suddenly out of the blue, one week ago the world came to an almost “halt” and we are now in a global crisis mode where many countries are in lockdown. Even though the world we know it, is changing rapidly day by day, there is one thing that remains the same.

YOU!

At the core it does not change who we are. If anything, it makes us stronger and wiser to deal with uncertainty. It could also make the world a friendlier place with more loving compassion.

Right now, we are required to think differently and take extra good care of our well being to stay strong, positive and healthy. The best thing we can do is to stay at home and follow the guidelines for not spreading the virus. To stay well we must give and receive TLC (tender, love and care) and have faith in nature; that this is a temporary crisis.

Are you worried?

We can easily worry about the future and what’s going to happen. If this becomes our status, uncertainty will take over. Thoughts will wander, but we don’t have to let them control our being.

To help us come back to the present moment of what’s now, we must first connect with ourselves and become aware of when we automatically go into the future or past mind set.

To focus your mind, ask yourself these questions throughout the day:

Where am I? 

Am I in the future – worrying about what’s going to happen?

Am I in the past – feeling sadness and guilt over what has happened? 

Am I right here and now – feeling a sense of calm with what’s now; observing thoughts and emotions without identifying with the past and the future?  

Begin with what’s now …

In this moment-to-moment awarness – focus on your breath and feel the presence of peace and clarity. Feel the stillness of calm in the midst of the storm.

What do you need right now – to strengthen and prepare your mind both mentally and emotially so you can grow and transform in times of uncertainty and change?

Are you holding onto emotional pain and mental worry?

Pay attention and give yourself some TLC. There are many things we can do to reduce stress and create balance and harmony to the nervous system – our mind, body and soul.

I addition to the above mental enquiry, I like to give you a tip that can help bring you back into the presence of here and now.

A healing bath with epsom salt

Public baths and hot springs with minerals goes back a long time. Water is a great booster for physical and mental health and creates balance in the nervous system. A bath at home is just as good. There are many health benefits, including reduced stress and tension, soothing sore muscles and joints, improved sleep and it helps us relax.

Tips
Recommended time is 15 – 20 minutes in warm enough water with no soap. If the water is too hot we easily overheat.

Add about 200 g Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate). Also called Bitter Salz. In Norway it’s very expensive at the health food store. I buy a big bag at Felleskjøpet.

Epsom salt is also known for its many health benefits, including reduced muscle tension and better sleep.

If you don’t have a bathtub do a footbath. Then with only 50 g salt.

Drink plenty of water. In Ayurveda they recommend drinking warm water.

Vitamin C is also recommended by some. I take 1000 mg per day. But by all means do your own research.

Otherwise, walks in nature and fresh air nourishes the body, mind and soul.

Mindfulness routine

With this routine you will unwind, feel more relaxed, calm and at ease in challenging times. It’s a wonderful way to clear your mind of worries and fears. Sink into the bathtub and let go of all the stress and tension in your body and mind. Feel the calmness of no to-do list. Repat the “nothing” mantra in your mind and focus on the sensations in your body. Let the lightness of water hold you.

Do you feel the soothing sensations on your skin?

Notice any fretting and come back to the sensations of the water on your skin.

Close your eyes and be still. Enjoy the quietness.

Breathe!

Use the bath as a way to be mindful and present with yourself and notice how the wandering mind calms down and relaxes the body.

Create your own spa routine and let me know how you feel. Any questions or comments, I’ll love to hear from you.

PS! 

The pictures in this post is from my travels to Iceland and the Blue Lagoon late last year.

With joy

Borghild