Stillness and Quieting the Mind

These are extraordinary times right now so it’s more important than ever for you to make time for stillness and quieting the mind on a daily basis. Stillness brings balance and perspective into your life so that you have the strength and stamina to do what you do and care for others. This stillness is essential because it’ll keep you from going into “system overload”.
There are so many ways to bring stillness into your life. Take a break, step outside and breathe, sit on a bench, turn off electronics, close your eyes, differentiate and release the sounds of vehicles, machinery, and focus instead on the sounds, movement, beauty and wonderment of nature… the sky, the birds, a flower, maybe even a blade of grass. When you do this, you’re in meditation because you’re quieting the mind.
Upon waking is a good time for meditation and everything is quiet. Close your eyes and breathe deeply allowing exhalations to take longer than inhalations for a few minutes. Next, identify five or more things you are grateful for, and having so much gratitude that it moves you to joyful tears. This kind of gratitude brings perspective to what is really important, making it easier for you to be still in the eye of the storm.
Kat Meissner is a Supreme Light Yoga Teacher at Harbor Yoga Haven and Founder of Kat Meissner Meditations. She specializes in helping people heal from childhood traumas. For more information about her program, visit www.katmeissner.com or call/text for a consultation 209-470-4884.
Harbor Yoga Haven has two locations: 25044 Peachland Ave. #106, Newhall; and in the Channel Islands Harbor Westport Marina at 4310 Tradewinds Drive, Oxnard. Visit our website at www.harboryogahaven.com or call us at 661-255-1500.