How often have you heard that phrase? For example: if you need to confront something you find difficult or challenging; you’re upset and want to react in a way that might be inappropriate; you have a thousand thoughts whirling in your head. I know you can think of loads of other situations where a deep breath is a really good idea. But tell me, do you ever actually stop and take that breath? Let me tell you why you should, and I’ll add a second part to that deep breath. Read on!
Each week, I start off with a “do list” of the tasks I need or want to accomplish. This past Sunday, I did exactly that, knowing I faced an incredibly busy but manageable week. Then I returned home from a few days away to find a FedEx final notice. Monday morning I picked up the package and, guess what? In my already busy week, I needed to find two days to do copy-edits on my February Brava, His, Unexpectedly (don’t you love the cover?).
Okay, what to do? Panic? Yup, that was my first instinct. Instead, I decided I would spend the rest of Monday trying to tidy up as many of the assorted tasks as I possibly could, to pretty much clear Tuesday and Wednesday for the copy-edits. Task #1 was preparing this blog.
I’ve been poking my way through a fun little book called A Writer’s Space: Make Room to Dream, to Work, to Write by Eric Maisel, and had thought it might be fun to base a blog on one of his short chapters. So I opened the book where I’d left off and found a chapter on “Quick Centering.” Guess what it’s all about? Taking a deep breath, and marrying it with a thought.
Breathe in deeply for 5 seconds, and as you do, carry the first half of a thought. Then breathe out for 5 seconds and finish the thought. For example:
• [I trust] [my resources]
• [I am equal] [to this challenge]
In one 10-second break, you take time to center and focus yourself. Could that have been any more appropriate to my situation?
So, not only did I calm my panic, I learned a useful tool, and in the process I also wrote this blog so, as soon as I upload it to post on Wednesday, I can cross one thing off my list.
Try this out yourself and let me know what you think. If you have other useful techniques for settling and focusing yourself, please share them. And wish me luck with those copy-edits!
Susan Fox
