April 16, 2018
The Journey Deck by Brandon Bays and Kevin Billett

OCEAN
“ You are the ocean – vast and boundless. Have you felt small, limited, bound by circumstances lately? Are you feeling trapped or stuck? Take a moment to relax. Close your eyes, take a deep breath in…and let it out. Let your awareness become spacious in front, vast behind you. Notice how free and open it is on all sides. Just rest. Know that you are this limitless ocean of stillness. All activities and thoughts are just waves far above on the surface. They come and they go, they move over the surface of the vastness, but the open itself is unaffected by them. Know that life’s ups and downs are like the flotsam and the jetsam that float on the water, while you remain untouched by any story. Just rest in the expansion.”

Meditate. Meditate. Meditate. The act of meditation actually has significant impact on our physical health. Did you know that stress fighting hormones are released in abundance when we still our minds, slow our breath and enter into relaxation through meditation? For example, Immunoglobulin A (immune system booster), Oxytocin (positive emotions and loving feelings), Serotonin (the happy hormone), DHEA (combats the stress hormone Cortisol), GABA (decreases addiction and anxiety), endorphins are released and that is just to name a few. It is scientifically proven that meditation is healthy, preventative of disease and helps not only stabilize emotions, but is important for maintaining positive mental health. Meditation is NOT a daunting task…you can experience the benefits of meditation in only 4 minutes of intentional breathing work. 4 minutes!!! If you don’t have 4 minutes in your day to improve your own life…you don’t have a life – life has you! And there is a significant difference. This card comes up for us this week, to encourage us to take a few minutes out of our day to meditate. To enhance the life we are living. To be healthy in body, mind and spirit. Find a place of stillness, and simply breathe. Set a timer if you have to. Count your breaths. Relax into the quiet. Give yourself the gift of 4 minutes every day and within a few days you will notice the difference in your own body and mind. If you struggle with meditating on your own, join a group or find a meditation coach. You are worth it – give yourself the gift of meditation this week!

Just Breathe,
Juli