Relax and Live One Day at a Time

 

 

“The best thing about the future is that it only comes one day at a time.”
- Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) 

 

BUT, we always want to look far beyond into tomorrow. We let our fears take charge and we reach out far past today. Sometimes, we become immobilized as we face the future.

 

If this has ever happened to you; I recommended the following exercise: 

Set aside 10 minutes, and I suggest you do it today. Settle into a comfortable chair. Set an alarm for 600 seconds so you will know when the 10 minutes will be complete and you won't have to be concerned about watching the time. Then close your eyes. Breathe deeply, exhale loudly several times. Don't think about anything and just allow yourself to relax and be in the moment. Simply concentrate on your breathing during  these moments.

Then simply be aware of how you feel ...
   - Is there stiffness in your neck?
   - What is your back telling you?
   - What does your butt feel like sitting in your chair?
   - How fast or slow is your heartbeat?
   - Are you warm or are you cool?
   - What do you smell?
   - Do your legs feel relaxed?
   - Are your hands tingling?
   - Are you feeling sleepy?
   - Just be aware of yourself.

When the alarm goes off at the end of 10 minutes, slowly open your eyes and consider this fact:

92% of the things we worry about never happen.

 

Now try to be aware of living the rest of your day in today. In the now. Not worrying about the future. Just concentrating on the tasks you have to accomplish today.

 

When it's time to go to sleep, look back to assess your day. What were your overall feelings? Did the 10 minutes of quiet affect the quality of your day? A little, a lot, not at all? Did you feel more peaceful? Did you find more energy?  Would it be worth trying this practice again?

 

 

I would enjoy hearing about your experiences.