Dear friends,

Beneath the surface of the waves there is the deep ocean.
Beneath the mind’s endless, beliefs, stories, fears, tangents, expectations and worries, there is a center.

How can we allow the mind to unravel and go deeper?

These are a few practiced suggestions:

1.  A Qi Gong flow can help balance emotions and bring a sense of groundedness. This technique allows the mind to come to the present moment. I like ” YoQi” which you can find on YouTube. It’s a daily qigong routine that’s easy to follow.

2. Going for a walk in nature combined with noticing the fresh air is a great way to feel your body and its connection to a larger picture. Natural environments have a restorative effect on the mind. I always look with wonder as I walk at the beauty and perfection of nature in all its various forms and colors.

3. Make something, bake something, arrange some flowers , journal, or write are distractions to the drumbeat of thoughts and emotions the mind engages in.

4. Share your thoughts with a friend or therapist. Verbalizing your concerns can make thme feel lighter.

5. Engage in aromatherapy with calming scents like lavender or sandalwood.

6. Self-awareness is the first step in noticing the mind and where it needs to let go. As Dr. Amen has said from the Amen Clinic, a mental health clinic founded by Dr. Daniel Amen a psychiatrist known for using brain imaging techniques to treat mental health conditions, “Don’t believe every stupid thought you think”.
This takes the ability to observe from a bigger picture and to practice ” compassion”.

7. I find it helpful to lead my mind to gratitude when flooded with emotions like fear and worry. I direct the energy from my heart to the person I am thinking about and send love and gratitude from my heart to theirs. 

with fierce love,
Gedalia