Ways to deal with tragedy

All too often, it seems, there is another social tragedy, natural disaster, or we are dealing with something traumatic in our personal life. When news of the Boston tragedy reached my heart, I felt helpless. I was so far away, didn't think I could help...​

So I did the only thing I was able to do. I meditated. ​

A "simple" guide to meditation...for beginners!​

Sit somewhere comfortable, quiet, phone off. This can be at your desk, on the floor in your home, on a couch, on a cushion. Close your eyes. Take several deep breaths through your nose and feel the base of your body, your spine, your bottom, root down to the ground. Feel the top of your head pulled up to the sky. Focus on your breath. This is an easy thing to write, to say, but a difficult thing to do. Notice your thoughts...many will arise...notice them and let them float by like clouds...and come back to your breath. Notice it passing through your nose, notice it moving through your body. Do this for 1 minute to start...then increase as often as possible to more minutes.

Yesterday, I spent 5 minutes between projects and appointments meditating. I noticed my breath and I started sending the love I felt for all the victims through my mind and out into the atmosphere. I was definitely not alone in this simple act.​

Here is a special link to other important things to consider during tragedies:​

http://www.psychologytoday.com/print/101419​

More on meditation next week!​