Happy Thoughts 1- March 24, 2020

Coping.

photo: courtesy of google- getdrawings.com

Alright, let’s just be real for a moment here… THIS. IS. HARD. The uncertainty, the isolation, the news, etc, etc, etc. It is a lot to digest and comprehend. That is true. But, let’s work hard and try even harder to focus on the good things, the happy things, the things that will help to keep us all functioning as well as possible... Let’s talk coping skills!

Below are 5 that come to mind (and ones I have been practicing as well):

GET OUTSIDE. This can be a bit of a challenge in our (cold, Buffalo) environment; but, get outside as much as possible. Go for a jog, a hike, a stroll, whatever works for you! Even if just for a short/brisk walk around the block, to the corner of your road and back, or just stepping out and taking in three deep, filling breaths of FRESH AIR will help immensely during this time. So, if it is chilly, bundle up (hat, scarf, gloves, boots, etc)—if it is warmer, stay out a bit longer and just allow the fresh air to fill your lungs, your body and your mind. I promise you won’t regret it.

READ. Reading can help us kind of ‘trick’ our minds. Aka- escape a little bit of the craziness all around us. Now is the perfect time to dive into a great/new book, or, if you are linked to audiobooks via the library, listen to a great/new book! You can even re-read an all-time favorite; there is likely something you missed the first read anyhow! No shame here! Read whatever you want/like! And, when you are finished, start a new one! Again, a little brain break from the (outside) world can do the body a whole lot of good right now!

DRINK. DRINK. DRINK. This may seem silly, but—did you know there is a direct correlation between mood, energy levels, brain function and hydration?! So, whatever you have to do to drink up—do it. Water, flavored water, tea, etc. Shoot for 6-8, 8OZ. glasses each day. Or, grab a fun/cool water bottle from your cupboard, and measure the proper OZ. using that!

CLEAN. DE-CLUTTER. RE-ORGANIZE. Since we are all homebound for a while, now is the perfect time to create a clean and cozy space to enjoy! Spoiler alert: a calm/organized space = a calm/organized mind.

CREATE/LISTEN. Another thing that may seem silly— and maybe it is :) But, tap into your 6 year old little selves and do a fun art activity, i.e.- draw your favorite place, sketch a happy memory, try 'pantry pop-art' (grabbing a fun item from your kitchen and re-creating it…), or listen to some tunes. Just like reading a good story/book, creating/listening to music can help the mind escape for just a brief time. So, engage with some of your senses and dive into your own creativity, or jam out to some good feeling music. Again, this won’t disappoint! Your mind will definitely thank you for it!

SMILE. AND KNOW, TOGETHER, WE WILL MAKE IT THROUGH.

Meditation 1- March 20, 2020

Colorful Visions.

photo: courtesy of google- artprojectsforkids.org

This is a popular meditation we do often, that helps to relax the mind, and release the 'muck' as we say... Now, take a moment to catch your breath, allowing yourself to connect to the mind's thoughts. If you are lucky enough to have someone read this to you, that is optimal; however, if not, maybe take a few moments to read along to yourself, before feeling confident enough to coach your way through this meditation yourself :) please begin at your own pace, and make sure you are sitting comfortably.

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I want you to take three filling breaths before beginning; remember, breathing in to the count of 3, and then out to the count of 5, deep, connecting breaths, helping to slow down your mind and your thoughts. Now, either close your eyes, or focus on something that is not going to move throughout your meditation.

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As you breathe, focus on a color that is meaningful to you. A color that brings you happiness and a sense of calm. That color is unique to you; it could be a vibrant purple, a gorgeous green, a bold blue, or a beautiful, shimmering gold/silver. Again, whatever color speaks to you and comes to mind. Breathe in that color, allowing that color to reach your mind, your lungs, your belly, your back, your arms and legs, hands, fingers, feet and toes-- letting in nothing but positive and happy energy. Do this for 3 breaths. Again, in to the count of 3, and then out to the count of 5.

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Adding on, as you breathe in whatever color you chose; now, as you breathe out, exhale a 'mucky' (think: yucky) color, releasing stress, anxiety, sadness, worry, and all things negative. Maybe this color is a dark, mysterious black, or a muddy, sticky brown, puke green, or deep red. Much like before, do this again for 3 breaths... in to the count of 3, then out to the count of 5.

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Continue to breathe in your beautiful color, and out your muck...

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Be still, be quiet... and continue fully for 1 minute... calming your mind... calming your thoughts...

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Be at peace with your thoughts. Be at peace with yourself. Be at peace with your newfound positivity.

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Slowly, returning back to conscious (regular) thought, conscious (regular) breath. Wriggle in your seat a bit to return back to the here and now; slowly opening your eyes, taking one, last deep breath in, and sighing it out nice and loud...

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SMILE. AND KNOW, YOU ARE SAFE. YOU ARE LOVED.