Some daily hacks...so we can act great!

What if we built into our lunch hours (and for many of us just a half hour lunch) ten minute hacks to help us regulate our nervous system? Simple steps such as walk outside. Maybe you don't start with ten minutes perhaps 5!

Next hack, the breath. Breathe in for a count of 5 and out for the count of 5 for at least 5 breath cycles. Or, if your nervous system is on high alert (feeling anxious?) try breathing in through the nose for a count of 4, slight pause and then exhale through slightly parted lips (mouth) for 6 counts.

Next hack idea, find a bench with a patch of grass Or just a patch of grass and take off your shoes, put your bare feet on the earth. And breathe those breaths.

Another hack, find a shaded tree spot and stretch for two minutes.

If your work requires screen looking, get up, remove yourself at least once an hour and let your eyes look off into the distance. Not staring but just looking lightly at things around you, notice.

Another hack idea, get up and go talk to someone, really listen to them and offer no commentary other than "I hear you," for a short time, maybe two to three minutes. (active listening to them, not thinking of your next move or idea).

One more, help someone with their problem if they are open to the help. Even just a few minutes of listening to what the problem is, to actual hands on help (carrying something for someone from A to B). In some summary: intentional walking, breathing, grounding, stretching, listening and helping can be quick and yet so vital for our own regulation. This of course, is not an extensive list.

It is truly a consistent yoga practice over the years that have helped me understand the importance of slowing down (even if just for a few minutes a day) and this inlcudes the mind not just the busyness of external activity. Slowing down means we can intentionally practice presence. Increasing our ability to act great!

ACT GREAT

"What is the key to untie the knot of your mind's suffering? What is the esoteric secret to slay the crazed one whom each of us did wed

And who can ruin our heart's and eye's exquisite tender landscape?

Hafiz has found two emerald words that restored me

That I now cling to as I would sacred tresses of my Beloved's hair:

Act great.

My dear, always act great.

What is the key to untie the knot of the mind's suffering?

Benevolent thought, sound and movement."

Poem by Hafiz The Great Sufi Master

A consistent yoga practice can and does help us create our ability to act great. A consistent yoga practice (daily) is where we can foster benevolent thought, sound (breath and mantra) and movemnt (asana). While an hour or so long asana with pranayama practice whether it be Yin, Bhakti, Hot, etc. at least twice per week is most beneficial, please remember that even just a few minutes a day can help resotre our hearts and eyes exquisite landscape. Taking the time to get up, stretch, go outside..everything mentioned above is also Yoga.