How do I get Started!
I'll start off by saying that I feel the savasana, guided relaxation, or meditation time is one of the most important parts of a Yoga or wellness practice.
It's what brings the whole body together, it's what quiets the mind and restores the body. It's where we learn to be, learn the I AM.
And, I'm so glad Guided Relaxations, Mindfulness, Guided Imagery, Meditation, breath exercises, awareness, and presence activities are now part of many different types of wellness programs.
I couldn't find a book to use for my yoga relaxations or meditations when I started teaching. And, I didn't like hearing the same thing all the time or just falling asleep so I wanted more for my classes.
When I was awake
I wanted to know it,
to listen,
open and explore.
I wanted to hear different things so I could learn and build awareness in my body, mind, and breath. I wanted to know more about yoga off the mat and I wanted to share that with my students.
I wanted gifts for them to take away into their everyday lives!
This lead me to writing my own scripts and after a few years I thought about how others everywhere might want some help to reduce stress and relax for themselves and their family. I felt that what I was doing was meant for more than just my use, my yoga practice.
It was meant to be shared with everyone, shared with the world.
So one day I declared,
I'm writing a book!
I'm writing a book!
That was the beginning of, Simply, One Breath At a Time, my first gift to the world!
I was amazed later when I listened to a video by Jack Canfield, best selling author of the Chicken Soup series said something similar, "If you can't find the book you're looking for, it means you're supposed to write it." That's exactly what I did!
Lots more to come - plus 14 Tips !
How do I start?
There is no right or wrong, this is the beginning of your personal practice.
There are a variety of scripts geared to breath, body relaxation, imagery, gratitude and more. Start with the ones you connect to first or move around and see all the book you have has to offer and bring into your life.
Alter, lessen or leave out any part if you have any difficulties or health problems in that particular area (example may be the breath exercises) and as with anything new, get advice from your doctor if you have any concerns.
One lady told me she didn't do any of the breath work because of past lung problems but over time she noticed that she had unknowingly slowly started to open it up on her own by just reading the lines. She had many years of keeping that part of her body closed off and tight and she was surprised at how well it was feeling.
The relaxations are for general purposes only in your quest for self care, relaxation, meditation and well-being. You get to choose which one you'd like to do each time.
One lady told me she didn't do any of the breath work because of past lung problems but over time she noticed that she had unknowingly slowly started to open it up on her own by just reading the lines. She had many years of keeping that part of her body closed off and tight and she was surprised at how well it was feeling.
The relaxations are for general purposes only in your quest for self care, relaxation, meditation and well-being. You get to choose which one you'd like to do each time.
How does this reduce stress?
Relaxation and meditation both help to reduce stress and produce positives changes to the brain and the immune system. You also start to recognize different feelings such as opening, releasing and softening within the body. The use of focusing on the breath and simple exercises also help you to calm down and feel more centered.
My books offer you many ways that you can start to create your own personal "wellness tool box" and as your awareness changes you will bring more self-care and presence into your life and want to share it with others.
How do I read it to myself?
Take your time, read a few words or lines and let it speak to you. Some scripts have breath work, some focus on areas of the body, or offer visualizations, thoughts, smiles or even hugs.
I normally will read slowly and just follow along and do what I can that day. I take my time as each day I am different and will experience different things. Also don't feel you need to do any of the movements or anything it says, some days you may just want to absorb the words or rest.
Some of my readers have shared that they like to read a few lines in the early morning or before bed, one lady shared that she takes Simply, and her tea out in the garden. You can even make other times in your day more valuable if you take it to work for break time, read on your bus trip, while waiting or reading it to others.
I have too many thoughts to relax and I'm not good visualizing
I always use the no expectation rule. Each time is a bit different like each day is different, and over time your practice will change slowly and go to deeper levels.
How long should I spend in silence?
That depends on you, how much time you have, and how comfortable you are. Start with a couple of minutes and build to 5, 10, 20 or so. You may want to have a timer set. At the beginning a few minutes can seem long and then later on 20 minutes will fly by.
14 Tips (if they apply to your practice or material)
- Have no expectations and simply enjoy
- self hugs and smiles are always important
- you don't have to do any of the breathing exercises or anything else. You can alter, remove, change or lessen what you need to and sometimes you can even just imagine you're doing it
- find a place to be comfortable, and safe if you fall asleep
- you can use your own words, change the words, or bring in a different poem. If you have a paper book write in it what you'd like to say/add.
Get ideas and write your own script to suit you or your group. If you have a paper copy see if there are blank pages that you can write notes on such as favorite quotes or messages.
- Possibilities are endless. When time is limited I will often shorten a longer relaxation by leaving out parts/lines or only saying the key parts in each paragraph ... no one knows the difference, make them your own!
- have a blanket close by and use cushions/bolsters etc as needed
- I use the battery candles, then no worries and always safe if I go to sleep
- have a timer if needed
- soft unfamiliar instrumental music usually works best
- if sharing with others, check whether a scent free space is needed
- dim lighting may be more comfortable
- if reading to yourself or others use a slow, gentle voice and leave time when needing to focus on thoughts, breath work, or moving within the body.
- things are sometimes more fun when shared and so are guided meditations. Take turns being the speaker and receiver, get the family involved, start a meditation group at work or start your own wellness circle to help your friends.
You'll quickly feel at home and become a Pro!
Namaste.
Don't miss the Wellwishers page
for more reasons to get started.
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The information on this Blog is for general purposes only to assist in your quest for Relaxation, Meditation and Well-being. It does not represent any medical advice or treatment of any kind.
