How do I create calmness for myself

How do I bring about a sense of calmness and peace into my life?  Nowadays we seem to be constantly on 'GO'.  We are always 'ON'.  It seems rare for people to sit still and simply be with themselves.  To create a sense of peace and calm we hear about how we need to be 'in the moment', be present, be mindful, let go and so on.  Yet we can struggle to understand exactly how we should do this and why we should do this!  So here are a few ways to incorporate calmness into your life and create that sense of peace and clam. Lets explain what this is all about. 

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What does it mean?
Firstly being present is simply about knowing where you are right now in this instant; where you are and what you are doing right now. It means you are not caught up in conversations from the past or conversations about the future.  You are in the here and now in this very moment and very aware of what you are saying and doing in this moment.  Not the last second, minute, hour, day, week or year.... right now in this moment..... not the next second, minute, hour, day or year.... right now in this moment. 

When we practice this often we get to reduce the chatter in the mind.  We become more aware of ourselves on all levels; spiritually, physically, mentally.

How can I be present in the moment?
Start by bringing your focus to what is happening right now.  

• This can be your breath - notice how you are breathing right now. The inhale.... and the exhale.  Follow the breath.
• Focus on touching and feeling something and really take in  what it feels like.  Bring all of your senses into the mix.  
• When you bite into your food what does it feel like?  The texture, taste, smell and other sensations in the mouth and on the tongue.   
• When you sit outside what do you hear right now?  The birds perhaps, traffic, wind rustling in the trees.  Really listen. 

Feel the sense of calmness come into your being - it may be fleeting at first - that's normal.  Start with 3 minutes each day.  It's best to stick to the same time each day to establish the pattern.  Pick a time that works best for you.  For those 3 minutes focus on what you are doing and bring all your sense into play.  

Here are some examples:

• Sit in nature and listen to all the sounds around you.  Can you hear something new/different?  Something you didn't know before?  Close your eyes?  What difference does that make?
• Putting on your moisture in the morning or at night; slow down the process and massage lightly and slowly into your skin using gentle massage.  What does it feel like, smell like? 
• Putting on your shoe laces or closing your coat zip/buttons
• Eat a raisin.  Look at it, then taste it, feel the texture as you chew
• Doing the wash up; slow down the process and notice how it feels.  The temperature of the water, the feel of the water, the soap, the plate and so on.
• Drinking your tea/coffee/water. Be aware of the cup in your hands, the feel of the cup on your lips, the liquid in your mouth and as you swallow.

This practice can be done with any everyday activity.  Just take 3 minutes and let all your senses get involved.  It helps to slow down whatever you are doing.  

Think of other everyday activities you can practice this on - brushing your teeth, making tea, walking are just a few more.  This list can go on and on. The important thing is to make a conscious start.

So start with one task...  take 3 minutes...  Do this every day.
And remember go easy on yourself.... no judgement, just be present. 
Notice the difference and share with others your successes. 

Namasté

Maria x