We all have days when our TO DO list looks impossibly
long, the errands too many, and everyone seems to want some of our time. It can get to the point that it is almost paralyzing as we try to decide what needs to be done first and what can go to the bottom of the list.
Other times, it is not that there are so many things to do. It is just that it
feels like life right around you is totally chaotic. Your phone is ringing, the kids are yelling, and you forgot to thaw the pork chops for dinner.
Once, years ago, I was in a yoga class with a short, guided meditation at the end. We were instructed to imagine a soft bubble around us and give
it a color that we found soothing. I opted for a soft blue. Then as we breathed in, we were to say to ourselves, “Just this breath,” and as we exhaled, “Just this moment.”
We held
ourselves in our comforting bubbles for a few minutes and concentrated on following our breath in and out. “Just this breath, just this moment.”
Such a simple thing to do, yet I have found it so helpful over the years. I have used it countless times, and it almost always helps. It helps me to
center myself, to focus. You don’t have to sit on a cushion in a crosslegged position to do this. Closing your eyes or gazing softly at something (NOT your TO DO list) in front of you works fine.
There have been times when I have gone into another room for a minute or two to do this, but its beauty is that it can be done right in the middle of everything. Even just a couple of inhales and exhales can do wonders.
Sometimes I use this meditation for a more extended
period at the start of my day. Again, it tends to bring focus and a feeling of being centered.
Take a minute to gather yourself before dealing with chaos, I offer you this method to try.
“Just this breath, just this moment.”
