Manufacture a moment of peace
This post assumes the following: that you are having a really really hard finding a simple moment of peace. Obviously it would be ideal if you could just shut everything down and run into a forest, but not all of us have that kind of freedom.
ALL YOU NEED IS FIVE MINUTES
1) Go outside. ALONE
Actually outside, not just out of your office. Get some sky overhead.
I don't care what the weather is.
2) Shut down all tech.
Put away your phone.
Step away from computer.
Don't accept calls (or read texts) for FIVE MINUTES. Just five minutes!
Shut off your music.
Un P L U G.
3) Relax your body.
Sit on a bench- or, if it's not gross, lie down on the grass
Let go of everything you are clutching - just put it down beside you on the bench. Free your fingers.
Let your hands fall empty by your side.
Relax your shoulders.
Unclench your teeth.
Put your hand on your heart, you want to slow down your heart rate and this helps you concentrate on that.
Close your eyes and slow down your breathing. In. Out. In. Out.
4) Slowly open your eyes and gaze straight ahead.
DO NOT FOCUS on anything. Let things enter and exit your field of vision.
Do NOT turn your eyes or neck to follow anything. It's tempting to (it's automatic!) but when you catch yourself doing it, just conciously bring yourself back to center.
Envision the world as flowing around you- you are not a part of it. You are just an observer.
Do the same with noises and scents. They enter your conciousness and you let them flow around you.
Same with thoughts. Let thoughts flow into your head, acknowledge them and let them go.
Nothing is good or bad. Nothing matters but this moment.
A noise may be annoying, but don't let it rile you up. That chick might look ridiculous with her arms full of tiny yappy dogs, but don't let your mind or eyes follow her down the street. She looks ridiculous. Thought in, thought acknowledged, thought out, and she exits your field of vision as you stare straight ahead.
If it's too much, close your eyes again.
5) Enjoy the moment
If it's warm, enjoy the warmth
If it's cold, enjoy the biting cold on your face
If it's raining, let the rain fall down your skin, feel the droplets on your face
Enjoy the prickly grass under your fingers
Enjoy the solidness of the concrete bench you're leaning on
Enjoy the peace, or enjoy the bustle.
Find joy wherever you are RIGHT NOW.
6) Return.
Once you feel you have achieved some state of calm that is acceptable, calmly return to your life. Try to maintain this calm for as long as you can. Work calmly. Speak calmly.
Good luck.
November 22nd, 2010 - 15:07
Just came out of a molecular genetics exam and on my way to a biophysics exam in an hour. This. sounds. lovely
I think I’m going to go find a non-muddy spot and see if this can help collect the remnants of my sanity.
December 12th, 2010 - 15:01
Good luck on your exams! As tough as they are, having them overwith is always a good feeling.
November 23rd, 2010 - 12:10
Great advice, I try to go outside and ponder around for 10-30min just staring in the distance, which feels great
.
Another ‘trick’ I often do is lying on my bed listening to some ambient music with my eyes closed and just focus on each note that’s being played, it feels great to not having to keep track of the things that needs to be done or having to bear the constant weight of responsibilities for a while.
It could almost be compared the feeling after having some discomfort like a constant noise that’s hard to block out and suddenly it’s gone. Silence never sounded so pleasant
December 12th, 2010 - 15:00
I’m just starting to get into ambient music, I’ll have to try that