Just Breathe: Finding a Little Calm in the Chaos

How are you doing? Seriously, how are you? It feels like we're all running a million miles a minute these days, right?

I recently learned that the average person has 60,000-70,000 thoughts a day! No wonder we feel overwhelmed 😱 who knew! Between work, family, and everything else life throws our way, it's easy to feel totally overwhelmed and disconnected. Like running the hustle blinded with tasks just because you signed up for it.  I know I've definitely been there!

Lately, I've been trying to focus more on being present, on just… being. It sounds kind of woo-woo, I know, but honestly, it's made such a difference. I took this up seriously and enrolled for a intense 8 week mindfulness training. I learned and experienced a lot! It’s not about some big, dramatic change, but just little moments of noticing, of appreciating the here and now. Like, really tasting my tea in the morning, or taking a few deep breaths and actually feeling the air in my lungs.

It's like training a puppy, you know? My mind is constantly going a mile a minute, jumping from one thing to the next. Mindfulness is like gently teaching that puppy to sit, to just chill for a bit.

Why Bother with Being Present?

For me, it's about finding little pockets of peace in the craziness 😇. When I'm truly present, I can actually enjoy the good stuff more, and handle the tough stuff with a little more grace. It helps me step out of the worry spiral and just… be. Mindfulness has proved to be great for stress reduction, improved focus, better relationships. It has made a big difference when I have had to solve sibling fights between my kids and also at staying calm to let my husband know for the 100th time to put away his phone when its meal time.

😌 A Tiny Bit of Mindfulness for Your Day:

Let's try something together, okay? Take just a couple of minutes, wherever you are right now. Close your eyes if you can, or just soften your gaze.

1. Focus on your breath. Just notice how the air feels going in and out. No need to change anything, just observe.
2. Check in with your body. Wiggle your toes, notice how your clothes feel against your skin. Just a quick scan, no judgment.
3. Tune into your senses. What can you hear? Smell? See? Just notice the world around you.

📝 Journal Prompts for Deeper Reflection:

To further explore mindfulness and presence and to helps you connect with your physical state and notice any tension, try these prompts in your journal or save the image on your device and write over it on any of your favourite apps WhatsApp also works for this:

• How is my breath phased? How do I want it to feel for the rest of the day?
• What am I experiencing right now in this moment?
• What are the sensations I am feeling in my body.
• Practicing mindful breathing for 5 minutes and reflect on how I feel afterward. Can I do this once everyday?

Keeping a journal to record your progress and experience will help you come back to the practice more. It's not about becoming a super zen guru overnight. It's more like finding your own little pocket of calm in the middle of a seriously busy day. Think of it as hitting the pause button on the crazy, even if it's just for a few breaths. 

So, next time you feel like you're about to lose it (we've all been there!), try a little mindful moment. Just breathe, notice what's around you, and give yourself a little break. You deserve it! 

😇