Reset, part 1

YES, YOU CAN DO IT!

DAAJI shares some simple exercises that will help you get out of your thoughts and worry, and reconnect with your body and the world around you. They are fun and can be done alone or with friends and family. All of them are great stressbusters.

Dear friends,

As our lives seem to be more and more complicated, with feelings of being overwhelmed, of uncertainty and stress, our thoughts take on a life of their own. We can feel powerless with the bad news that surrounds us. We may be struggling with addictions of one sort or another, e.g. our phones, the Internet, food, and substances, or difficult situations in our family or work lives.

Sometimes what can help is a little reset. Some simple practices to turn our minds from brooding over the seemingly endless thoughts that disturb our equanimity and abilities to thrive in daily life.

Touch and movement are great ways to get out of your head and into your body. So here are a few simple reset exercises. You can do them by yourself or with friends and family. They bring joy, laughter, and a feeling of lightness that opens a different perspective on life. Please go at your own pace and be attentive to what your body is able to handle.

Warm-up

Stand with your feet apart, feet facing forward and slowly twist your body from one side to the other, swinging your arms. Do this a few times on each side. It will loosen your body and help you feel relaxed.

Some simple practices to turn
our minds from brooding over
the seemingly endless thoughts
that disturb our equanimity and
abilities to thrive in daily life.

Become like a child

Walk on all four of your limbs like a cow.
Crawl like a baby.

Jump!

In a standing position feeling balanced on your feet, 
turn to face East and jump five times,
turn to face North and jump five times, 
turn to face West and jump five times, 
turn to face South and jump five times. 
Repeat this whole sequence a few times.

Look up

Go outside and look up the sky. Actively observe what you are seeing, such as treetops, birds, cloud formations, or chimney tops.

Looking up squeezes the area at the base of your brain and has a balancing effect on your system. Going outside connects you with the world and expands your horizon.

Walk backward

Choose a place where you will not run into anything. 
Start slowly, taking five steps forward and five steps back. 
Increase the pace and distance as you gain more confidence.

Researchers have found differences in neural activity when we walk backward. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for cognitive skills such as making decisions, is especially activated when reverse walking. It can also bring physical benefits to relieve back pain, etc.

Researchers have found differences in neural activity
 when we walk backward. The prefrontal cortex, 
responsible for cognitive skills such as making decisions, 
is especially activated when reverse walking. 
It can also bring physical benefits to relieve back pain, etc.

I hope these few exercises, along with the daily practices of Heartfulness Meditation and Cleaning, will bring some peace and confidence to your heart and mind.

Wishing you all the best,
Daaji