It’s been a wild, pivotal, life changing, eye opening summer/fall season! Mercury was in Retrograde (September 27-October 17), meaning traditionally times were in confusion, delay, and frustration. Check, check and check! A time that has made me think on my feet and go with the flow. No time for keeping to my comfort zone, the winds of change wouldn’t let me even if I wanted to. So now I am feeling that things are slowly slowing down a bit (but I’m keeping my guard up a bit still) and can move on cautiously. I can do this!
If this sounds familiar, you (and me) are not alone. First, with all the upheaval that has happened during this time, it is a good idea to take some time out for yourself and get grounded. I find that I have to take some time to meditate and get centered. You know that feeling where it feels as though you are spinning your wheels but not getting anywhere?
Grounding Yourself
Before I get into everything, the meditation that I am explaining is for absolutely everyone, no matter what your background or religion. Get to a space that you feel comfortable in, where there will be no interruptions for about 15-20 minutes. Make sure the area is a bit warmer, or wrap yourself in a cozy blanket. Don’t have music when meditating as you are listening to the music rather than listening to your body. Sit in a chair and keep both feet on the floor (barefoot is best, or socks are fine), be aware of your posture, hunching exerts pressure on the spine; shake out your arms gently and place them in your lap, palms up. Close your eyes. Take a few grounding deep breaths (breathe into the belly, try not to raise your shoulders) through your nose hold a couple seconds and exhale through your mouth. Then just let the breath come naturally.
Try and clear your mind of daily tasks, upcoming meetings, etc. and focus on your breath. You can silently say a mantra or even just say ‘breathing, breathing, breathing’. It is okay if your mind starts to wander, when you notice this, just bring it back and repeat ‘breathing, breathing, breathing’. Just be gentle with yourself. For all we do in a day it is a difficult thing to shut it all down. The important thing is that you try. Breathe and silence your mind for 5 minutes to start. As you get more used to it, you can increase your time. There is also another mantra you can say at bedtime just before you go to sleep. Keep a copy by your bed as this really does help, especially when you are anxious about something.
‘I am happy, I am healthy, I am loved, I am safe, I am free’
You can definitely add more affirmations that are appropriate to your mantra. The positive attributions will condition you to have a better outlook on things. Try it for yourself if you don’t necessarily believe me. Positive attracts positive. It’s kind of like karma, if you do a kind thing, something kind will come to you. If you do a bad thing, or your intentions are harmful, look out, you will get it back tenfold.
Meditation has many advantages, and its benefits can include improving symptoms of depression, promotes better sleep, helps reduce stress and anxiety, boosts concentration and sharpens focus, and supports cardiovascular health.
I have personally seen the effects of meditation, it’s a thing of wonder and perhaps should be included in a lot more of the health care systems in our corner of the world.
A Quick Way to Diffuse an Anxiety Attack
Since becoming a Reflexology Practitioner in 2015 , a good 90% of people have said they have anxiety issues. That is a huge number! It shows me that people are not functioning as well as they can be during stressful times. If you (or someone you are with) is having an anxiety attack, take some deep healing breaths and close the eyes. Keep the mind in the present. Once you have taken some deep breaths, open your eyes.
Notice 5 things around you and name them. Note 4 things you can touch and name them; name 3 things you can smell; name 2 things you can hear; name one thing you can taste. This method helps you focus and takes away the focus on the attack. Continue with a few more cleansing breaths.
I urge you to definitely talk to your doctor or a councilor or even a 24 hour Help Line (for the Waterloo Region the number is 1-844-437-3247, or TTY 1-877-688-5501) if you need some help.
Reflexology Can Help!
The body is constantly seeking a state of relaxation and balance. Reflexology helps it return to a normal functioning system. When the body system is overwhelmed or blocked we seek systems that help support, activate, stimulate and unblock. Different aspects such as mental, emotional, physical and spirtitual all need to work together to help get the body system back to its normal functioning ways.
With Reflexology the endocrine system is the body’s chemical system. This includes helping with lymphatic drainage, anti-inflammatory and immune systems.
Improved circulation is helped by moving blockages up and out of the body. Cold feet may be improved as well as swelling. It is great for people with limited abilities.
Reflexology also helps stimulate the stomach and bowel functions. Balancing responses such as elimination can occur. Cleansing of liver, gall bladder or the digestive tract may help with detoxifying these.
Beneficial points of having a reflexology session can help alleviate pain by releasing of endorphins which brings relaxation. This brings the body back to a state of rest and repair. It is a great tool for preventative maintenance of the body! Literally everyone can benefit from a Reflexology session as it doesn’t interfere with other treatments. And don’t forget, the hands can be worked on if you don’t like your feet being touched or if there is a foot issue.
Time to Unwind
If you need to de-stress, book a Reflexology session with me today. I am available Monday mornings, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sunday evenings.
After you receive a Reflexology treatment, you will be very relaxed. It is a great time to go home and have some ‘me’ time, maybe curl up with a good book and a hot cup of decaf tea, or even take a short nap. If you have to immediately go to work or run some errands, that’s okay too!
The effects of the session will help you keep mindful of your tasks and you will be able to concentrate better and be more focused on the things you need to do for the day. Be mindful of the sights, sounds and smells of the season and bring them into your heart. Enjoy!
Sandra A. Murphy Reflexology 