I think I haven't written an article in about a week. I am not very active on either platform during this time. Sometimes we see life as a race, success as a place that needs to be reached urgently. Yes, I feel that way sometimes too.
Sometimes I feel as if I am in a hurry and I have to catch up somewhere. Obligations, things to do, jobs to be trained etc. But at this point, our stress level is skyrocketing, and if we don't slow down, we can end up with panic attacks. I learned that whenever I feel like a race, a rush, an absurd competition and a rush, I have to slow down.
There are tools in our lives that can come to our rescue and protect us, such as life buoy, when our minds rush here and there as if the panic button was pressed. These:
Meditation:
Meditation is derived from the Latin word meditatio and is referred to as "contemplation" in the western world. Meditation is a practice where an individual uses a technique – such as mindfulness, or focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity – to train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state. Meditation techniques take place under different names in many cultures and belief systems.
Buddhism in India,
Taoism in China,
Tibette Bon,
Zen in Japan,
Contemplation in Islam
Today, different cultures, beliefs, sects and schools practice meditation in different ways. For this reason, it is impossible to talk about a standard and uniform meditation. With the exercises of alertness and concentration, the person collects himself and rests his mind and soul. Meditation is considered to be a deep-rooted and awareness-raising technique in Eastern cultures.
Meditation is not a religion. But there are techniques with different names that are applied differently in each religion. Practicing a type of meditation in another religion does not make anyone a religious person or a member of that religion. In fact, anyone who wants to rest their mind and soul and be able to think more clearly can meditate. Perhaps you need to do some research and experiment to find the right techniques for you.
Breathing Exercises:
Breathing exercises are a very effective relaxation method, especially in reducing the symptoms of psychological disorders and in calming down. Its application is very simple. Without the need for any equipment, you can relax with breathing exercises and naturally soothe your nervous system.
There are many breathing techniques that can be applied for different situations in different sources. One of them is "4 seconds Breathing Technique".
4 Second Breathing Technique
While breathing irregularly, approximately 15 breaths are taken per minute. The 4-second breathing method includes 4 breaths per minute. It brings the body to an economical and efficient position.
How is the 4 second breathing technique done?
Take your breath slowly for 4 seconds.
Hold your breath for 4 seconds.
Then exhale for 4 seconds.
After exhaling, wait 4 seconds and start the stages again.
Yoga:
Yoga is a word used to describe physical and mental disciplines originating in India. Various meditative practices are also called yoga in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Janism.
The Sanskrit noun yoga is derived from the sanskrit root yuj "to attach, join, harness, yoke". The word yoga is cognate with English "yoke".
It can be translated as "meeting", "coming together", "unity", "meeting" and "method". A person who practices yoga or follows a yoga philosophy is called a yogi or yogini. Yogini expression is the feminine use of the name "yogi".
It tries to achieve tranquility in mind and soul through yoga, postures and meditation. Although it is applied physically, its benefits show mental and spiritual effects. So yoga is a journey that you will take with your mind and body. Yoga is compared to a "journey" because in yoga teaching, students go through the following 8 stages:
Yama: It means to withdraw. It consists of universal moral disciplines such as not doing harm, righteousness, not stealing, and controlling the self.
Niyama: It refers to personal discipline. Niyama, also known as observation, includes disciplines such as being naive, grateful, reading, and remembering.
Asana: Asana means Yoga posture, Yoga pose.
Pranayama: Pranayama includes awareness of the breath, life energy.
Pratyahara: Pratyahara means withdrawing emotions or sense organs.
Dharana: Dharana is the step of yoga related to concentration.
Dhyana: Dhyana means Meditation.
Samadhi: In Samadhi, also known as emancipation, it is aimed to combine the object of meditation and consciousness.
Reiki:
It is a technique that emerged in Japan at the beginning of the 20th century and is believed to be based on energy transfer and spiritual healing.
Reiki (pronounced Ray Key) is a Japanese word consisting of two characters
"Rei" and "Ki".
Rei – is Japanese for spiritual or sacred
Ki – is Japanese for energy.
Reiki literally translates as "Spiritual Energy". It has been translated to the West as "Universal Life Energy".
Rei represents the Holy Spirit, Mystery, Gift, Nature Spirit or Invisible Spirit.
Ki represents the Physical Energy of Nature, Talent or Feelings.
Similar to Reiki, many systems have emerged that aim to heal with energy transfer. Shamballa, Golden Triangle etc.
Spending Time in Nature:
Even spending a short time in nature can help you get rid of the stress accumulated for days. It can be a great holiday to spend time at the sea or by the sea, camping, hiking. In addition, sitting under a tree, the sound of birds or a flowing water can get away from all your tension and stress, you can draw the oxygen-rich air of nature into your lungs and fill all your cells with oxygen and life energy.
Of course, there are many other methods or techniques. I just wanted to give the most known and common ones. Also, prayer mantras etc, I have not added to the list as it is more specific. It may or may not be involved in meditation.
The main point I want to explain here is to gain awareness about what we devote the longest time in our lives, what kind of thoughts we constantly repeat in our minds. Thus, it can distance us from our consumer habits; We can spend less time during the day on things that take us away from our original purpose. In this way, we can start thinking with a healthier, clearer mind. When our mind becomes clear, we will realize that many things that we think are important while in a panic are actually unnecessary and we will be able to see clearly the essentials.
I also think that when I have small accidents trying to do something quickly, I need to stop, rest and calm my mind. (Like hitting my little finger, pinching my finger somewhere, hitting my head somewhere, slipping, etc.) When there are obstacles in my life, when there is nothing I want so much, it is time to stop and think calmly.
With Love
Many times we feel panicky,stressed and in racing.This is not good for our health,so we need to take actions to calm down.You wrote great suggestions my dear friend.A few of them I am using too,like,yoga,spending time in nature.I go every day 1 hour walking through forest.I also like meditations and breathe exercises.