Slowing Down...

I am posting quotes on slowing down and resting this morning. This subject is dear to my heart. I was thinking this morning about how hectic Black Friday was. I heard on the news that a gentleman was even trampled to death at a Wal-Mart during "a rush" to get into the doors (which were pulled off their hinges) when they opened. As he was being resuscitated, shoppers were pushing past EMTs to get through the doors, not worrying about the poor gentleman.

My hope is that, as this holiday season is upon as, you take time to savor the moments. I hope you can enjoy the lights, foods, sounds, cooking, parties, holiday cheer, etc. and not get caught up in the haste and panic of the season. Please try to savor each moment and take breaks when you are tired or need to be rejuvenated. I have learned that when I live life slowly and when I take breaks, things actually work out better. My mind becomes clearer and more focused and I am better help for others. Here is wishing you a happy and healthy and loving Christmas and New Year... Val =)

"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and
learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke
is easy and My burden is light."
- Matthew 11:28-30

"Slow down and enjoy life.
It's not only the scenery you miss by
going too fast - you also miss the sense
of where you are going and why."
- Eddie Cantor

“Take rest; a field that has rested
gives a bountiful crop.”
- Ovid Roman

"Slow and steady wins the race."
- Robert Lloyd

"Feeling trapped? Slow down! If you're
having difficulty coming up with new ideas,
then slow down. For me, slowing down has
been a tremendous source of creativity."
- Natalie Goldberg

"Wisely and slow. They
stumble that run fast."
- William Shakespeare

"The art of resting the mind and the power
of dismissing from it all care and worry is probably
one of the secrets of energy in our great men."
- Captain J. A. Hadfield

"I have never taken any exercise
except sleeping and resting."
- Mark Twain

" ...so rest awhile. It will be alright.
No one loves you like I do."
- Third Day, The Rain Comes

"I am a slow walker but I
never walk backwards."
- Abraham Lincoln

Imagery Techniques

"Imagery Techniques"

Peaceful Place

One of the simplest and most powerful ways to learn to relax is through the "peaceful place" imagery:

Imagine yourself in some setting in nature - perhaps high in the mountains, or on a beach, near a lake, or in a desert. Find yourself walking along a path in this setting. Notice what the sky looks like, how the air smells, what the ground feels like beneath your feet as you walk. With each step along your path allow yourself to grow more and more relaxed.

As you look ahead, you see a little cottage. It's there just for you. Walk up to this cottage. What does it look like and what is it made of? Go inside and walk around your cabin. Decorate your perfect cabin to your own taste... with your own art work. Everything about this place is peaceful. If you like lots of sunlight, imagine that your cabin has lots of windows with an incredible view.

Sit down in a comfortable chair in your cottage and soak in the relaxation. This is your place... a million miles from nowhere - if that's where you want it to be.

Of course, if the word "cottage" or "cabin" does not suit you, call your dwelling whatever you like.

(Use your five senses when you are at your special place.)

The Wave

Do you get so rushed and so stressed out at work that you don't feel you have the luxury of relaxing? You don't have the luxury of a break to let go of stress? The "Wave Imagery" innovated by Phyllis Crystal was designed for you. It is not a long, drawn out process. Once you learn how to "ride" the wave, you can teach yourself to relax in just a minute.

Imagine you are at the beach, lying on the warm sand. The waves are rolling in and each one comes closer and closer to you... until the waves are starting to wash over your body before they roll back out. As each wave falls away from you and returns to the sea, tension, anxiety and stress are removed in the process. With each wave you feel a little more relaxed. Just feel the wave gently pulling tension out of you.

Of course, you adjust the power of the wave. And if you don't like inhaling seawater, just allow the waves to come up to your neckand no higher

The Feather

Imagine you are a feather floating in the air high above the earth. You become more and more relaxed as you slowly float downward through the air. You finally glide to the ground... gently and softly touching down. Lying on the ground, you are totally and completely relaxed.

The Clock

Imagine a clock with only one hand. When the hand is at 12:00 high, it represents the most intense stress you have ever experienced. It's electrocution time with every hair of your body standing on end. When the hand is at 6:00, it represents no stress whatsoever. You're just floating in a tank of jello, or you're a wet, limp noodle lying on the floor.

Now get in touch with the level of stress you are under right this second, and set the pointer appropriately. Now inhale a deep breath, and as you exhale, imagine the pointer moving down toward 6:00. As you continue to exhale, drop your shoulders, and let go.

If necessary, reset the pointer, repeat the breath, and let the pointer sink down even further toward 6:00.

-author unknown