Last week we talked about Creating Space for our mental health. About making some very deliberate choices to ensure we can be in the best place possible mentally. I’m super passionate about the topic, and believe if there’s anything that I can say or write about that makes a difference in just 1 life, then it was time very well spent. This led me to think a little further about approaching mental health from a slightly different perspective. Maybe you aren’t someone struggling with anxiety, depression, or another diagnosed condition, but maybe, just maybe you still find yourself feeling unsettled, and maybe just a bit unhappy? I believe many of us can relate to a time where life just felt a bit unfair. Maybe that we just couldn’t quite find the sense of inner peace that we sought. What do we do then?

Control The ‘Controllables’

I remember the first time I ever read the “Serenity Prayer”. I was only about 12 or so, but as I mentioned last week, this is about the time where my emotional struggles really started. “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” I remember staring at this incredible little framed sign in the bathroom of the beauty salon and reading it over and over for what felt like 10 minutes. Quite a long time for something that probably takes less than 10 seconds to read. It was mind-blowing for me. Grant me the serenity to accept what I cannot change… Now, I’ll admit that there have been, and still are plenty of times in life where I don’t necessarily remember to practice this little adage, but when I do, the difference that it makes in giving me peace of mind is incredible. Sometimes when I feel overwhelmed by life’s demands I will simply make a list of EVERYTHING that is consuming me mentally, and then I place a dash next to the ones I can control. Next to the dash I write down one thing I can do to impact the situation. However next to all the remaining things, the ones with no dash, I cross them off the list. I can’t control them, so there is no action plan. I make a deliberate choice to simply let them go. It sounds so trivial, but when I tell you I can physically feel the weight lift off my shoulders, it’s real.

Breathe? Are you kidding?

When we are under stress, we tend to breathe more shallowly, limiting the ability to carry needed oxygen throughout the body. In yoga, we also learn about the presence of prana. Prana is defined as “life-force” or “life-vitality” which is an incredibly powerful force that moves energy through the body. When we practice yoga and yogic breathing we can more effectively supply the body with prana. But even if that is a bit too “yogi/hippie” for you, science proves that deep, focused breathing will help promote a sense of calm by activating the para-sympathetic nervous system. Think of this as the system that is opposite of the well-known “fight or flight” response. By turning your attention toward the breath, and taking full, complete inhales, you will allow the body to combat the effects of stress by reducing the heart rate, releasing tension in the muscles, and promoting a sense of calm. To give it a try, lie on your back, or sit up straight in a chair, with feet flat on the floor. Rest one hand on your belly. Take a full complete inhale, allowing the belly to expand and just when you think you can take in any more, try taking in one more sip of air. Then, try releasing the breath, slowly, and completely. Repeat for a few minutes and notice the greater sense of relaxation you feel! Just like meditation, I do believe that practicing focused breathing for longer periods, perhaps 20-30 minutes a day are going to have more lasting effects. However, in a moment of stress, never underestimate the power of slowing down for just 10 seconds to close your eyes and breathe. Give yourself the pause that you need to more clearly assess the situation in front of you. And since deep, focused breathing can also help slow down a racing mind, you will also be better positioned to make clear decisions in the moment.

Turn Your Face Toward The Sun

“Turn your face toward the sun, let the shadows fall behind you.” I love love love this song. At this point my regular yogis either really love it, or are just plain tired of it. Lol. And while life may not always feel that simple, and while it may take a LOT of deliberate effort, we really do have the ability to change our outlook by choosing what we focus on. I’ll name a few principles, activities, or quotes. Tell me if you’ve heard of them. “Like attracts like.” Visualization. Manifestation. Gratitude Journal. “The Power of Positive Thinking”. The Law of Attraction. “Thoughts become things.” Vision board. Set your intention. I can go on… While these may all come to life in slightly different ways, they are all supported by the same principle. WE HAVE THE POWER TO MANIFEST BY CHOOSING TO FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE. I won’t pretend it’s not hard, it is! I am also not delusional about some of the really, really difficult things that life can throw our way. When I think about having a positive outlook I am absolutely considering some of the tragic or devastating things that have happened in my own life, those of people I know, and even national events. I take into consideration the power to choose the response to the difficult time, and how it has fueled some really impactful decisions. I guarantee that in every situation that feels terrible and hopeless, is an opportunity to extract something positive. I’m also not suggesting you can simply wish yourself into a better state. Rather, as you choose to focus on the positive, you start to change your belief system. As you change your belief system, your behavior changes along with the choices you make. Eventually you start to manifest what you set your sights on, but it all starts with focusing on the good. As you adopt a mindset of positivity you will notice that things will start to shift. In that shift, comes a sense of peace. With that, I’ll share this final quote. I recite it to myself often.

What tips do you have to share around gaining peace of mind? Have you tried any of the above, how did it go?

Namaste,

Tian

July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Please explore or share the resource below with anyone you know that may need them.

About Creating Space Blog: Creating Space blog desires to help people create space in life for what matters most to them, to support mental health, and to provide thought provoking ideas that encourages readers to nourish their own well-being, through expression, reflection, and introspection.

About the author, Tian Philson: I am a registered yoga teacher and student of yoga by passion, and a communications consultant by trade. But, first and foremost I am a dedicated mother and wife. I’m a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a cousin, a friend a confidante and a passionate soul. I fell in love with yoga well over a decade ago, as I stumbled upon a power flow in a workout video. It was an incredible addition to my fitness routine. Then, I discovered the mental and emotional benefits as I was also struggling with anxiety and depression, and it became an incredible addition to my life. I have recently become even more committed to sharing the benefits of yoga, mindfulness, and meditation with the world – one breath, one pose, one post at a time.