How my daily meditation is helping me thrive during stress.
Opinion
Shlomo Fishman
Capital Recreation is in business to make recreation accessible to all. I am not here to tell you the what, the who, and the when. I am here to support and encourage your positive behaviors. I am a Certified Recreational Therapist (CTRS) breaking down barriers to leisure and recreation participation. This blog is here as a tool to spread my personal thoughts and ideas. But most of all, to create community!
It is about the here and now. Yesterday has passed, tomorrow isn’t here, so it’s now that matters. For those who know me, you might have heard me say this phrase – or something similar many a time.
Over the last 5 years and specifically since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, it couldn’t be truer for myself. My daily practice of mindful deep breathing in low-stress environments, has been bedrock for transforming this exercise into a daily practice of meditation and presence. So, when in pressure packed, high stakes environments, I can take this tool from within to take a moment and breathe. The deep breath is used as my cue to remind myself that I have the tools to face the task in front of me. Even when I feel like I am in over my head and completely overwhelmed, my one deep breath is something I know I can anchor to. For nobody is ever placed in a situation that they can’t handle! When in these situations, I find the breath technique to help me zoom out and see the entire picture. It is not always easy or comfortable to do always do the work. Though, when it comes down to being challenged, I am going to want to have the tools. For a rock climber won’t be able to rock climb without the correct tools by their side.
What I have been able to do through my daily practice of meditation, is to be more present when the noise is loud. When I could control the environment, temperature, and the pace; all is good. Though when the environment, temperature, and pace are above me; and able to stay within what I can control – It is a win win for everybody! I challenge you, to challenge yourself with a regular practice. Sit still for one breath, thirty seconds, or five minutes. Listen to your breathing and feel your torso rise and fall. The next time you find yourself stressing out and flailing – STOP – acknowledge the emotion and take your breath!
I always love hearing from you and your personal journey. Share your moments of growth and success on social media using the hashtag #shlomotrained
Until next time – peace, and virtual fist bump going your way!
Capital Recreation 