Written By Alan Good
Living to our full capacity doesn’t end once we reach 60 or 65. We may feel like what we once had has been reduced, and perhaps in some cases it has due to health issues. But we can live OUR best, and that should suffice.
First, remember you are in control. Even if your body is racked with aches and pains, you can still move, and love others. Ask yourself, “Do I live intentionally?” That is, with attention. Am I paying attention through the day or drifting along, allowing whatever to control me?
For example, have you driven somewhere and once at your destination can’t remember how you got there? Have you read something only to realize you don’t recall what your read and need to re-read a page or two? The same might be applied as you watch a video or listen to someone speak. Did you miss some of this article? Some experts say we miss 47% of our day—of our life!
When it comes to the rubber meeting the road, exercise and diet will put you in better form. Adequate sleep will help with attention—and intention—through our day.
Meditation is a method used by many—and this writer—as a way of lowering stress. Mindfulness, or being present in daily activities also will improve your mood, body and brain power.
Spending time in intentional breathing will reduce stress, help you sleep better, and even reduce pain. You can start with this simple exercise. Sit comfortably and begin to breathe. Start either with your head or feet. Feel them relax as you command them, gently, to do so. Work your way up, or down, until you cover your entire body.
Feel your feet against the floor, your legs resting on the chair, your back against the backrest. During this, notice your breath going out and then into your lungs. Notice your chest moving, or your diaphragm, as you take air in and then release it.
This is something you can do throughout the day, while waiting in traffic, at an appointment, or when you find yourself in a stressful situation. By focusing on your breathing, you take your mind off your stressful thoughts. Bonus tip: take a deep breath, hold, then let it out very slowly. Doing so a couple of times will lower your heart rate.
You aren’t checking out or in la-la land. You become more aware and see your thoughts as real, but not the truth. Just because you think a thought—worry about something—does not make it so. Stopping to listen to your breath and see your thoughts as just mists of the mind, can release the stress and inner unrest. More about relieving pain this next time.
