Balance Challenge Day 9: Inhale. Exhale Repeat

One of my mentors, Stacy Olsen says repeatedly "Inhale, Exhale, Repeat." I will tell you it is one of the best ways to bring balance back into your life. Last week we focused on really grounding ourselves in our meditation by walking and feeling the earth support us. This week, we move to our core. The belly physically houses our digestive system but the energetics of the region store our self esteem. If you remember we talked about the first chakra being in our pelvis, the third chakra (Manipura Chakra) is located behind the navel and recedes back to the spine. I'm sure you can imagine how strong self esteem can be helpful to our balance. When we have strong self esteem we are more equipped to utter the word "No." Our self worth is strong and does not depend on the approval of others to feel good.

Today's meditation mission, should you choose to accept it, is to be alone with your breath.

What you will need:
You

You do not need a meditation cushion, a gong, candles... or any of that other "foo foo" stuff they try to sell you. I'm sure you have somewhere comfortable to sit already. So park it and let's begin.

In a comfy seated position, close down your eyes. Experience some peace and calm.

Imagine a balloon in your belly. As you inhale fill that balloon with air. Allow the belly to get as big with breath as possible. Then release the breath and let that belly balloon deflate. Congrats you've done one round. Now do 99 more. I KID YOU NOT!

I have read in loads of places how consciously breathing 100 times will change the way you see the world around you. At a certain point, when I heard it from 4 people in one week, I sat up and took note. I felt like I was being given a sign. I needed to experience it and see what the hype is. So I sat with all my "foo foo" meditation stuff... and practiced: inhale, exhale repeat. I'm not sure how many because I lost count but I will tell you I also lost track of time and when I came too it was maybe 30 minutes later and I felt like a new woman.

So start breathing and please commit to share your experience with one person this week. There has to be someone you know that would benefit from your advice on balance.

New Mom Tip: Every free minute you have is precious SO here is my advice to you when you are feeding your baby you can use that time to connect to your baby and meditate. It will help relax you and your baby. It also does wonders for your letdown if you are nursing.  ;)

Mom of Young Children Tip: GET THEM INVOLVED. Most children breathe from their bellies and then start breathing in their chest during times of stress. As adults, we are chest breathers most of the time. Imagine the impact focusing on their belly breaths could give your children. Talk about life skills! Plus this exercise is great fun to encourage them to count.

Everyone Else's Tip: No excuses. Just breathe!