SNAP! Meditation Situation

“What is going on?” I silently screamed. My body wrenched as I dialed 911. Was he having a stroke? The wild look in his eyes terrified me. I wished the EMS team could materialize instantly, like in a sci-fi movie.

My usual optimism was crashing through the floor because this seemed to take Jack further down a frightening path. As the team attended to Jack, I snuck into the next room, closed my eyes, leaned my head against the wall, and took a few deep, cleansing breaths. My brain needed an escape because even ten minutes of facing the tension on my own was weakening me. Without a break, the pressure intensifies like a kettle of boiling water with no release.

With this tension pummeling me, the most convenient release for me is meditation. When we meditate, all the junk overloading our minds is gently swept aside, even if it’s only for a few minutes.

While my mind focuses on my breath, my brain lets go of any pressure bubbling up. I love when the peaceful feeling takes over every nerve ending with each soothing breath I take. I feel the cool, silky air come in my nose 1-2-3-4 and the anxiety going out through my mouth 5-6-7-8. The rubber band stretched tight in my brain gently releases and is replaced by a feeling of tranquility.

While I’m in the midst of caring for Jack, my quickest relief is guided meditation. I love being led to a peaceful place in my head and body. Sometimes, my mind wanders back to everything I need to accomplish at that very second: change the sheets, clean the oven, vacuum. Of course, those things can wait.

With guided meditation, I hear a calming voice that takes me away from myself for a few minutes. Sometimes, I want to reach out and hug the tranquil, ethereal voice on Calm.com. She feels like a friend. I need her steering me in gentle steps to release the tension coursing through my veins. It’s a beautiful escape from everyday stressors. I close my eyes and, if I’m lucky, fall asleep. It is heavenly.

When our minds are clear, agitation, negative feelings, and emotions smooth out. Our patience and tolerance improve. We can take a fresh look at stressful circumstances.