The first step to move away from STRESS and head toward SUCCESS is to just STOP!
The STRESS OR SUCCESS MEDITATION is an easy and effective tool to stop stress in its tracks and to create a path of least resistance toward achieving your success. It allows your mind to clear, your body to relax and will help you get refocused on your intended goal. Practice this meditation if you find yourself feeling tense, overwhelmed, irritable, or if you just want to be more relaxed and centered.
Find a quiet place where you are not likely to be disturbed. At home, you may shut the phone and find a comfortable chair. At work, you might slip into an unused office or conference room. Even sitting in your car (or a bathroom stall) will do the trick. The most important part is find place where you can sit comfortably without interruption. Preferably, your feet should be flat on the ground with your back straight to prevent your mind from becoming sleepy. In any case, make the best of wherever you are to get comfortable.
Gently close your eyes and turn your attention to your breathing. Just breathe naturally. It is best to breathe through the nostrils, but it is more important not to attempt to control your breath. As you bring your focus to your breathing, try to also notice the sensation of the breath as it enters and leaves the nostrils. This sensation is your “object” or "focal point" of the meditation. It will keep you from being distracted by external noises. Optimally, awareness of your breath should be to the exclusion of everything else. But don't worry if it is not.
Initially, your mind will be very busy, and you might even feel that the meditation is making your mind busier. In reality, you are just becoming more aware of how busy your mind actually is. There will be a great temptation to follow the different thoughts as they arise, but you should dismiss this and remain focused specifically on the sensation of the breath. If you discover that your mind has wandered and is following your thoughts, no harm, simply return your attention back to the breath. Repeat this as many times as necessary until the mind settles on the breath.
Do the STRESS OR SUCCESS MEDITATION for at least five minutes, but ten to twenty minutes would be better. In an immediate crisis, simply close your eyes for a moment and take a cleansing breath or two.
As you regularly practice this easy meditation exercise, you will find that your tension subsides more easily and you experience an immediate sense of inner peace and relaxation. You will notice that you are calmer, refreshed and more focused. Your attitude naturally feels uplifted. You will find that usual problems or difficult situations will become easier to deal with and you will once again be back on track with SUCCESS!
Spreading the Joy,
Mags
