3 CB’s – Quick Transition to Reality
When we are stuck in the past or catastrophizing about the future, there is a quick way to bring ourselves back home – to the present. It is an ancient practice, and it's still around because it works. It's so simple, it often gets overlooked. Remembering to utilize this technique is the key.
When we are scared, we suck our breath in and hold it. When we are worried, nervous, anxious, etc., we tidal breathe – barely in, held, then barely out. It limits the oxygen our brain needs to function properly, making it easy for our thoughts to become entranced, till they become addictive.
Here's the simple way to break out of the mental lockdown:
Breathe in fully through your nose, let it pause in your system, then let it go fully. It's called a conscious breath. Your chest will actually expand and contract.
Do three conscious breaths (3 CBs) and watch your energy settle down into your body. We see athletes do this all the time. Spiritual athletes do it too.
If you want to step up this practice, do 2 things:
1. pay attention to your breath – notice the coolness at the top of your nasal passage as you inhale, let it pause briefly, then follow its course through your body as it flows out of your mouth, noticing the warmth and the pressure on your lips as you exhale.
2. at the same time, pay attention to your senses and the incoming data … notice what you see, hear, smell, taste and touch.
When we do both these things, we split our attention, which requires us to be awake to what is actually happening Now – internally and externally.
Try it for yourself. Let me know how it works for you.
