Living in the moment.
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Join Date: May 2011
Location: Memphis, TN
Posts: 2,884
Living in the moment.
I've just started reading a book by Thich Nhat Hanh called "Peace is Every Step". What I have read so far has been great. It is a collection of small essays on simple ways to bring yourself back to the present moment.
Some of what I have read so far.
1. Smile.
2. Simple breathing exercises you can do any time. One is to focus on your breathing and when you breathe in say in, when you breathe out say out. You don't have to say it out loud. A couple of variations I have been using is on the out breath say either smile or relax. What's nice about this one is you can do it any time and 3 or 4 breaths will really bring you back to your center.
I will post more once I have read more.
Enjoy.
Your friend,
Some of what I have read so far.
1. Smile.
2. Simple breathing exercises you can do any time. One is to focus on your breathing and when you breathe in say in, when you breathe out say out. You don't have to say it out loud. A couple of variations I have been using is on the out breath say either smile or relax. What's nice about this one is you can do it any time and 3 or 4 breaths will really bring you back to your center.
I will post more once I have read more.
Enjoy.
Your friend,
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Memphis, TN
Posts: 2,884
OK, I have read more. What I like the most about the book is the simplicity.
New stuff I have learned.
Use distractions and other interruptions as chances to pull yourself back into the moment.
When you are stopped by a red light thinks of it as a chance to do some conscious breathing.
The same when you are stuck in traffic. Don't view it as a something that is keeping you from getting somewhere but as a chance to slow down, breath and regain you center.
When you get a phone call don't answer on the first ring. Use the first three rings as reminders to do your breathing. If it is an important call they will let it ring more than three times. IMO, you can do the same with texts or emails. No need to read them the second they arrive, take a moment to center. Then read them from a place of calmness.
He states that in Buddhist communities there is often a large bell or gong that is rang throughout the day. It is a reminder to bring yourself back into the present moment. Look for the same opportunities in your day, phone calls, traffic, email and texts dinging to use as your reminder to take a small moment to bring yourself back to the here and now.
Still more to come.
Your friend,
New stuff I have learned.
Use distractions and other interruptions as chances to pull yourself back into the moment.
When you are stopped by a red light thinks of it as a chance to do some conscious breathing.
The same when you are stuck in traffic. Don't view it as a something that is keeping you from getting somewhere but as a chance to slow down, breath and regain you center.
When you get a phone call don't answer on the first ring. Use the first three rings as reminders to do your breathing. If it is an important call they will let it ring more than three times. IMO, you can do the same with texts or emails. No need to read them the second they arrive, take a moment to center. Then read them from a place of calmness.
He states that in Buddhist communities there is often a large bell or gong that is rang throughout the day. It is a reminder to bring yourself back into the present moment. Look for the same opportunities in your day, phone calls, traffic, email and texts dinging to use as your reminder to take a small moment to bring yourself back to the here and now.
Still more to come.
Your friend,
Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,452
Small things, small moments that interrupt the chaos and despair
Moved this so a new thread so I won't hijack Mikes
Last edited by ShootingStar1; 10-18-2012 at 07:53 AM. Reason: Meant to start a new thread - will move this to a new thread
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