Mindfulness Daily Check-In July 13 2017
Morning everyone
Or evening everyone How are you all today? I'd like to focus on one thing.....What were some of your thoughts/emotions as you got up this morning? Or layed down for the night? Were your thoughts racing of what you did right/wrong in the day? Where you worrying on what someone said? Were you unclear on an emotion you felt or it felt really intense? Were there somethings you were feeling that just are rolling around in your head?
If so relax..............IT'S OK
Staying in the moment can be hard for anyone, but its a particular challenge for people recovering from trauma, mental health illnesses, job stress, relationship issues- really anything in this world! 
I have learnt and been told many times some simple and effective ways to help the brain repair itself is to give it a little R&R (military slang for rest and recuperation).
Also we are human, and have a brain that is always active and doesn't know when to STOP and Quiet.
I'd like to share some things I do most mornings and yes I now find myself doing them at the end of my day, cause I too get hard on myself, and feeling very strong intense emotions lately. Please I hope some of these things can help you as they do me.....
Find A comfortable place to relax your body
Take a deep breath and sigh it out. Sit, stand, lay down comfortably and relax your body as much as you can. We have these visions of needing to have a full lotus position, Not true, be as you are I say
At some point notice how you are breathing
Close your eyes or keep them open and find the place in your body where you feel your breath most prominently. It could be your abdomen, diaphragm, or under your nostrils. Start to focus your attention in a gentle way to your breathing–this will be your anchor point.
Let go of thinking on anything
Within a few seconds, distractions like thoughts, body sensations, or images will start to bubble up. Realize that this is normal and gently return to the anchor point....your breathing. Do this over and over till you find you are only in tune with your breathing.
@KrinkTheMellowUnicorn @Pat @Laura @Heather @AutumnLeigh @tazcares @Kason @Power @Hope @kindsoul10 @melliotm@soulsings @sujaypai @ady23 @rumplesteeleskin @sensitiveShade5337 @basty @joyoussun47 @peacefulwarrior10 @lightforlife @sailorelix @kindsoul10 @yzzil @passionatepeyton @emunahhere @amiablepeace77 @helping2findaway @honeydinkley @politelychaotic @agreeablekite4304 @Amelia @LilyLila @psalm139 @PiecesofYou @char1otte @fighter23
@RumpleSteeleSkin, lovely post :)
@Char1otte
Hiya Char nice to see you in check-in today and thank you!
I didn't anchor my breathing this morning (which I try to make a daily practice, and notice a big difference in my ability to rein in overthinking. Shall now take a moment to do so. Thanks, pachyderm <3
@melliotm
Hi Melli wonderful to see you here. Hey I am glad to hear that you recognize the skills you do daily affect you. But I don't want you to judge yourself and feel bad-which I think you are not You can start doing one any time of day or night!
@RumpleSteeleSkin Yup just an observation on my part -- no judgement :)
@melliotm
Great to hear this
@RumpleSteeleSkin I'm feeling rather tired. I didn't sleep soundly at all last night, with rather disconcerting, vivid dreams when i did manage to sleep. All of which makes anxiousness feel more present as the day progresses, or at least able to secure more of a foothold in my mind.
But I'm trying to sit with it for a bit. Not let it crush me under heel. Allowing myself to feel tired and anxious.
@melliotm
Hiya Milli I know how a good nights sleep is needed to feel fuctional. Also so that symptoms don't arise due to lack of sleep. Blah is my word some mornings.
I'm glad to hear you are trying thats all it takes. Have you tried to ground yourself after a rought timght of bad dreams and then turn around and try this exercise? I think it strengthens your brain and also ways. To teach yourself to just have 1 main focus. It is hard to start but not difficult...so glad when I talk to you-you always mention a skill or skills you are doing. And also you are so open to try new things