As a life coach, I help people create easier, more joy-filled lives.  But what does it mean to have an easier life?  To me, an easier life is one that is full of space – space to be whoever you want to be and do whatever you want to do.  An easier life is a relaxed life – one that is calm and comfortable, even though it may be busy.  And, an easier life is a life that flows smoothly, adapting to new situations and events with minimal effort.

What’s the easiest way to create an easier life?  Breathe.  When you take a long, slow, deep breath, you create the three components of ease.  Your lungs grow and create space in your body; the long, slow exhale creates a relaxed sensation; and – the best part – you create the opportunity for your life to flow.  What do I mean by this?  Read on...

One of my favorite television shows is “Scrubs,” a quirky comedy/drama that follows the life of a young doctor, John “J.D.” Dorian.  On a recent episode, J.D. had trouble handling an emergency situation with one of his patients and reluctantly turned to his fellow doctor and friend, Elliot, for help.  Her advice to him was simple.  She explained that whenever things got crazy, she took the time to breathe.  After a deep breath, time seemed to slow down for her, and she could think more clearly.  J.D. took her advice and was able to handle the next emergency he faced successfully.  He felt that he had plenty of time to focus, and he was able to flow smoothly from one task to the next.

I’ve found that taking a deep breath before beginning a new task helps me to focus my energy and begin whatever I’m doing with a calmer, clearer mind.  The simple act of taking a long, slow, deep breath gives me the feeling of having all the time in the world, which, ironically, allows me to get things done more quickly and easily.  If I find myself getting stressed or anxious, it’s easy to pause in the midst of whatever I’m doing and take a breath, and that breath changes the rest of the experience for the better.

When was the last time you took a deep breath?  Because breathing is something that we can do without any conscious effort, it’s possible to go through an entire day (or more!) without paying any attention to your breathing.  But a simple breath can give you so much that it’s worth some attention.  In the spirit of making things easier for yourself, shape your environment so that you’re reminded to breathe deeply each day by trying one of these suggestions: 

• Write “breathe” on a sticky note and post it above your desk.

• Leave a message on your own voicemail telling yourself to breathe deeply.

• Set an alarm in your electronic calendar to remind yourself to take a breath.

• Decide that each time you hear a phone ring you’ll take a deep breath.

Breathe in slowly, allowing your chest and abdomen to expand and fill with air, hold that spacious feeling briefly, then slowly let all of the air out and let your mind clear.  Enjoy the sense of ease that you feel.  Then, turn your attention to the task at hand.  Take advantage of the relaxed space that you’ve created, and allow your thoughts, actions, and feelings to flow.

Want to make your life even easier?

Call Lisa at (614) 262-8820 to arrange a complimentary coaching session or click here to send an email.  

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Life Navigation Coaching
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lisa@lifenavigationcoaching.com

www.lifenavigationcoaching.com

The Explorer is published monthly to inspire curious people – people who love to explore, discover, and learn – to go out and get what they want.  It is written by Lisa M. Evans, Ph.D., of Life Navigation Coaching, who coaches people to close the gap between where they are and where they want to be.

You can contact Lisa at (614) 262-8820 or by e-mail at lisa@lifenavigationcoaching.com.

Visit Life Navigation Coaching at www.lifenavigationcoaching.com to learn more about life coaching, Lisa, and opportunities for you.

You may use material from The Explorer in whole or in part, provided you include the complete attribution, including a live web site link and e-mail link.  Please inform me when and where the material will appear.  

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