The holiday time is complex in nature. So many want to feel the comfort of years passed when times were less difficult, the family dysfunction didn’t seem as foreboding and there was a simple comfort in hearing the carolers on the streets or smelling warm apple cider in the kitchen.
For many these memories that once brought a sense of comfort bring foreboding and anxiety. Stress levels rise at the thought of certain family members being brought together in the same house or to even step foot in a crowded store. For others the sights and smells might take them back to a feeling or member that they can’t quite put a name or reason to the discomfort but it’s there and it makes their chest tight, labors their breathing.
If you relate then take a moment for yourself to embrace a few simple steps in helping you breathe and reclaim your life.
According to Hopeful Hearts Ministry’s partner in healing, Lynn Feder, Health and Wellness Coach, she gives these very simple instructions:
• STOP – Stop the thought. Remember you choose your thoughts…your biography creates your biology. Is your thought coming from a place of fear or love?
• Tap into the present moment. When you stop and take control of your thoughts, and then focus on your breath your mind is not able to allow an of the other chaos and discomfort to creep in. Take in a deep breath through your nose to the slow count of 4, hold for 2 counts, then let it out slowly through you mouth for a count of 4. Do this 8 times. Cleanse your body, clear your mind, live in harmony.
• Release the negative patterns by magnifying the healing energy of your body. Stand firm, with your feet planted, in present moment, with a slow count of 4 raise your arms to the sky imagining God’s cleansing light seeping into the crown of your head and soaking you all the way to your feet. When your hands are at the top pause for 2 seconds and on the slow exhale imagine all of the negative thoughts and energy coming out of you like a black cloud. Repeat until you are filled only with God’s light and love.
• Remember to choose only positive thoughts that reflect God’s light and love. It is up to YOU to choose happiness. Happiness is a choice. You are His beautiful creation.
A helpful acronym to help in the most stressful moments:
S – Silence the mind and experience the pain. What hurts most?
O – Observe and identify the lies that the pain brings…ie: I’m not worthy, I’m not good
enough, etc
D – Detach and release the pain and lies in the name of Jesus
A – Awaken to the Lord’s Healing Touch – embrace His blessing and give thanks
If you are interested in learning more about these and other breathing techniques, and live in the Houston area, join us December 3rd, 10am – 11:30am for Hopeful Hearts Ministry’s JUST BREATHE course. Spaces are limited so please RSVP by November 30th hopefulhearts333@gmail.com.
Hopeful Hearts Ministry Headquarters – 2330 Timber Shadows Dr. Suite 208-E Kingwood, TX 77339
Lynn Feder www.healthandwellnesswithlynn.com
Lynn has been leading our Healing Yoga and Just Breathe courses for Hopeful Hearts Ministry for the past two years.
“My practical and diverse style of teaching includes conscious awareness, basic breathing techniques and simple yoga moves. My goal is to design a practice for the individual to have inner peace and joy, regardless of age, shape, health condition or circumstance. My specialty is using affirmations and meridian stretches (safe and most effective way to stretch), to affect all parts of your personality (mental, physical, emotional and spiritual). Learning how to monitor your thoughts to mirror your beautiful authentic self (sacred self), as opposed to your ego self (false, fearful self). We all deserve to be happy and at peace, what are you waiting for???”