Slow Down - It's Almost Summer!

Finding time to slow down is easier said than done.  There is almost always too much to do and too little time to do it.  Even with the lazy days of summer comes vacations (which are usually more hectic than relaxing), summer activities for the kids, and the never ending work that faces us every day.

This can lead to high stress, self-criticism and depression.

One way to combat stress is to meditate!  I have found prayer beads to be very useful - in many ways!  I find that when my hands are idle at night, I tend to eat while I watch TV.  After making myself a set of prayer beads, I now rub them and "worry" them while watching TV and it helps keep me from eating!  And it's truly relaxing!  I was so surprised at how therapeutic it is to simple rub on a chain of beads! 

I have also discovered that meditation in the mornings while chanting affirmations has helped start the day with calm, focus and peace.

I made myself an 8-bead meditation chain.  I sit up in bed before even getting up, grab my prayer beads which I keep next to the bed, close my eyes, breath deeply and then chant.  I say something positive for each bead - since there are only 8, it goes quickly and doesn't take up too much time, but somehow, those 8 affirmations make me ready to face the day with clear, focused intent.

I say things like:

I am proud of who I am

I am needed

I deserve happiness

I accept the challenges that face me this day

It's amazing how good I feel after that short morning routine!

If you are interested in some, here are some I have for sale:

If you want to see more, check out my shop HERE!