How do you achieve calmness to act with focus?

Are your thoughts and emotions also a rollercoaster now that we are in the grip of the corona virus? There is a big challenge ahead of us, now every day with homeschooling and social distancing. And later, when everything is a little or very different will be. You don't have certainty, we never have. But you do have influence, influence on how you feel, how you approach things. But do you get to that power? The power to stand up in this time and determine where your energy and attention goes. To be able to live from your heart and be a beacon for others. Be the light!

Slow, deep, full breathing helps strengthen your immune system. By focusing on your breath, your thoughts become focused and stop jumping out of a jar like frogs. This meditation for a calm heart is a tool for both slow, deep breathing and focusing on your breath.

Focus & Breathe

I have used this breathing exercise a lot in the past few weeks, at times when my thoughts are all over the place and seem to control my feelings. It takes courage to take a step back when all you can think about is action. What should I DO now? That is what I have learned, but not every situation calls for immediate action. There is time. There is time to sit down, close your eyes and focus on your breath. And then take action.

This meditation will give you a sharper image on your relationships; the relationship with yourself and with others. If you are upset at work or in a personal relationship, sit in this meditation for 3 to 11 minutes before deciding how to act. Then act with your whole heart.

Physically, this meditation strengthens your lungs and heart. When holding the breath in or out "as long as possible", do not force it; do not gasp or let your chest feel pressured as you let the breath move again.

The exercise.

This calming breathing exercise (pranayama) relieves anxiety and promotes calmness and mental clarity.

Posture: Sit in a comfortable position, on the floor, on the edge of your bed, or even on the toilet. Straight back, chin slightly tucked in. Place your left hand on your chest at the level of your heart center. The palm is flat against the chest, the fingers are parallel to the floor, the fingers point to the right.

Make Gyan Mudra with your right hand; the tips of the index finger and thumb touch each other. Raise your right hand to the right side as if you are taking an oath. The palm of your right hand is facing forward and the three fingers that are not in Gyan Mudra are pointing upwards. Your elbow is relaxed and your forearm is also pointing upwards.

Eyes: Close your eyes or look straight ahead with your eyes 1/10 open (eyes closed).

Breathe: Breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose. Hold your breath for a moment and raise your chest slightly. Hold your breath until you feel the need to breathe out again. Then breathe out slowly and completely. When you have completely emptied your breath, remain empty for a moment and hold this until you feel the need to breathe in again.

Concentrate completely on the flow of breath, in and out of your nose.

End: Breathe in and out powerfully 3x. Relax for a moment and let your breath find its natural rhythm again.

"The home of the subtle force of prana is in the lungs and heart. The left palm is placed at the natural home of prana and creates a deep stillness at that point. The right hand that brings you to action and analysis, is placed in a receptive, relaxed mudra in the position of peace."

This posture induces the feeling of calmness. It creates a still point for the prana (life force) in the heart center.

Try it in a group for 3 minutes. If you have more time, try it for three sets of 3 minutes, with a minute of rest in between, for a total of 11 minutes.