“Sun’s getting real low, sun’s going down.”
That’s the mantra that Thor says to calm down the Hulk. On a side note, watch Thor: Ragnarok. It’s the best Thor movie, and I’m not just saying that because Cate Blanchett was in it.
The pandemic brought out the Hulk in us; our minds are in smash mode right now—raging and restless. That’s why we all need a little mantra to slow us down and steady our minds. In this blog, we’ve explored the value of slow living and why it is essential during these uncertain times. Slow living calls for doing things mindfully and embracing quiet times to recharge ourselves. One way to do that is through meditation.
Tara Brach, a meditation teacher, said in a Vox interview that meditation is one of the ways she copes with coronavirus anxiety. She shared that people can start simply by mindful breathing. When you feel stressed, take three long, deep breaths. Count to five as you inhale and exhale for another count of five. As you breathe out, release the tension to settle your nerves.
Create a Soothing Space for Reflection
A quiet activity requires a calming space. You have to pick a tranquil and private space to set the mood for meditation. An extra room is a gift but if you don’t have a spare space, a comfortable corner in your home will do.
Here, we gathered photos from Instagram and we made mood boards to show you some spaces that could be your meditation haven. Don’t be limited to a cool color scheme because it will make the space feel too cold. Paint your walls with the whispering shades of blue or neutrals as they help create a grounding atmosphere. Then, add warm and natural accents like pottery, wood, rugs, candles, or plants to your space to make it fit for reflection.
Ruminate on the Abstract Idea.
Fill your zen space with Just About White.
Embrace the calm of the Dancing Sea.
Calming may mean different things to different people. The images and colors here are just inspirations. You can follow them, or you can create your own ideal meditation space. If for some reason, you find bold colors relaxing, go ahead, and paint your walls with serene colors of your choice.
If you’re new to meditation, you can read this The New York Times article that will teach you how to meditate. The first step only takes a minute.
Talk to Your Heart
Meditation is like talking to your heart. It helps you to connect more deeply with yourself. If you don’t know how to do that, I hope this excerpt from Grace Paley’s My Father Addresses Me on the Facts of Old Age (as quoted in a Brain Pickings article) will show you how it’s done.
“…when you get up in the morning you must take your heart in your two hands. You must do this every morning.
That’s a metaphor, right?
Metaphor? No, no, you can do this. In the morning, do a few little exercises for the joints, not too much. Then put your hands like a cup over and under the heart. Under the breast. He said tactfully. It’s probably easier for a man. Then talk softly, don’t yell. Under your ribs, push a little. When you wake up, you must do this massage. I mean pat, stroke a little, don’t be ashamed. Very likely no one will be watching. Then you must talk to your heart.
Talk? What?
Say anything, but be respectful. Say — maybe say, Heart, little heart, beat softly but never forget your job, the blood. You can whisper also, Remember, remember.”
What will you say to your heart? As for me, I say, “Be still, my heart.” I whisper, “Hope, hope.”
Let colors lift your spirits up! For more color inspirations, follow this link.
