Over the last several months I have struggled with my anxiety. Six years ago I was labeled to have Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome with a bonus of high anxiety. I have kept it in check with meditation and self-care practices.
Since my daughter was born my self-care practices have struggled and my anxiety and chest pains have returned. I have been making a conscious effort to bring yoga back into my day and even incorporated it into my daughter's morning nap routine so that it can't be pushed to "later". I feel like my meditations most days are back to square one as I try to maintain the space without my mind darting back and forth.
The one thing I am finding that can bring my back down from anxiety and stress is pausing to listen to the bird choir. It plays all morning, and some days all day, in my backyard. There are Robins and Cardinals and Bluejays and a number of little bitty birds that I have not identified.
They are always in tune. Unlike the radio, they are always playing the exact song I want to hear. There is no tuning or station changes necessary, only the need to be still and listen. This choir is the most gracious of performers and do not mind if I need to get up to go get the baby or get something done. They sing on.
I'm grateful for these quiet mornings where I can sit and listen to the melody of my favorite choir. I'm grateful to get to catch glimpses of the performers as they come to eat berries or get drinks of water during intermission. I'm grateful for the way nature can bring me back to center. I'm grateful for the ability to quiet my mind and ease my anxiety in such a simple way. I'm grateful for the performers that sing day after day.
What sound calms you? What sound can bring you back from the stress of a monkey-mind?
May today provide ample opportunity to unwind. May we recognize the importance of our self-care and take steps to incorporate it into our daily routine. Have a beautiful day!
Since my daughter was born my self-care practices have struggled and my anxiety and chest pains have returned. I have been making a conscious effort to bring yoga back into my day and even incorporated it into my daughter's morning nap routine so that it can't be pushed to "later". I feel like my meditations most days are back to square one as I try to maintain the space without my mind darting back and forth.
The one thing I am finding that can bring my back down from anxiety and stress is pausing to listen to the bird choir. It plays all morning, and some days all day, in my backyard. There are Robins and Cardinals and Bluejays and a number of little bitty birds that I have not identified.
They are always in tune. Unlike the radio, they are always playing the exact song I want to hear. There is no tuning or station changes necessary, only the need to be still and listen. This choir is the most gracious of performers and do not mind if I need to get up to go get the baby or get something done. They sing on.
I'm grateful for these quiet mornings where I can sit and listen to the melody of my favorite choir. I'm grateful to get to catch glimpses of the performers as they come to eat berries or get drinks of water during intermission. I'm grateful for the way nature can bring me back to center. I'm grateful for the ability to quiet my mind and ease my anxiety in such a simple way. I'm grateful for the performers that sing day after day.
What sound calms you? What sound can bring you back from the stress of a monkey-mind?
May today provide ample opportunity to unwind. May we recognize the importance of our self-care and take steps to incorporate it into our daily routine. Have a beautiful day!
RSS Feed
