Feeling STRESSED? We live in a highly pressurized world. Finances, work, health, parenting, relationships, and trying to juggle a multiplicity different things that are all screaming for our attention. Add to this how we are bombarded by many constant more subtle stresses reported in the media; wars, economic crunches, accidents, natural disasters war and so much more.
Finding ways to deal with chronic stress is key. These may include exercise, getting plenty of quality rest, eating well and learning to say "no" by establishing healthy boundaries, to name just a few.
Join us for a short break...
Have you ever stopped to consider that just 20 minutes of silence and quiet prayer can go a long way to alleviating many of the symptoms of stress? If you are like me, sometimes it would take me all 20 minutes just to try and slow down my thinking enough to reset! This is where practical tools can be helpful to deal with your racing mind, help you step off the treadmill of anxious thoughts and help quiet yourself.
The following video is a 4 minute reflection designed to help you shift gears between the often fast pace of life to allow you to take a real rest, if only for 20 minutes. As you watch, allow yourself to focus on the simple video images, the soothing music and the comfort of the beloved Psalm 23.
Be aware of your breathing. Take slow, deep breaths and exhale slowly. Imagine if you will, that when you inhale you are breathing in the life-giving breath of God. Allow this breath to displace the stress and anxiety as you exhale.
Music by: Andre' Lefebvre of Soaking.net Song: Womb of Comfort from the album: Silence
Meditation Psalm 23 for Reducing Stress & Anxiety from Michael Rose on Vimeo.
