Slow Down Time

Article by Carrie Anderson

Do you ever feel that time is moving faster than you comprehend? That you’re whirling and twirling in a vortex of time constraints, information, obligations, and your to-do list. If you could slow down time then you could have a chance to re-focus and re-energize, right?

I have a simple method of trying to become grounded while life feels out of control. Using a blend of mindfulness and Reiki, this is a simple recipe for a quick dose of self-care. This is perfect for any time of the day when you just need a few moments of peace and calm.

If you notice that you are starting to feel anxious, nervous, or if your breathing is becoming shallow, or, any number of your own ways to understand that your mind and body are in need of a time-out. Always listen to your body and it will tell you when it’s time to focus on yourself, in order to get back to a sense of groundedness.

First, take a few deep belly breaths. Breathe deeply and feel your abdomen expand. Don’t force the expansion. The diaphragm naturally expands and causes the belly to rise when you take deep, measured breaths.

Next, use a simple mindfulness technique to engage your five senses.

• • Ask yourself what you can see, hear, smell, taste, and feel.
  • What is something in front of you that you can see?
  • Are there loud noises, soft noises, noises from the outside?
  • Are there any particular scents that you can smell? Food, cleaners, flowers, or even the smell of automobiles.
  • Is there a taste in your mouth from something that you had eaten earlier that day?
  • Can you touch your clothes, a pet, a piece of furniture?
  • Mentally list your five senses and then see, hear, smell, taste, and feel the sensations that are right around you in that moment.

The five senses exercise helps to ground you in the present. Anxiety can make you feel out of touch, but taking a moment to interact with your surroundings, and incorporating your mind and body, allows you to be in the moment and can ease anxiety.

After the mindfulness exercise, I then take a few minutes to practice some self-Reiki. I think it’s a perfect time for self-Reiki. You’re already in touch with the sensations of your body. You’re in tune with your mood and you have your vibe set to be aware and awake in this moment. This does not need to be a full self-Reiki treatment. Just a few moments on some key points, like crown, forehead, throat, heart, abdomen, and pelvis. A brief treatment for the chakras.

Finally, I finish with a few more deep belly breaths. Then I can go back to everyday life feeling fresher, relaxed, energized, focused. A bit of deep breathing, mindfulness, and self-Reiki is a great way to start anew at any point during your day.

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Carrie earned her Ph.D in Metaphysics and Energy Healing through World Metaphysical Institutes. She is a Reiki Master Teacher, Animal Reiki Master Teacher and holds degrees in several types of Reiki. Her focus is on Distance Reiki. Carrie is a Master Level Psychic Intuitive and gives daily readings. She combines Reiki and Divination to create unique readings. She is accredited through World Metaphysical Association and Council of Holistic Healers. She also has certifcations in Teen Guided Meditation,. Additionally, she is a Professional Yoga Facilitator with a focus on Gentle Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and Yoga Nidra. Carrie is a co-author with Mellisa Dormoy for the book, “Easy Mindfulness for Today’s Teens”. She is an active member of the Natural Healer Society and may be reached at www.caresreiki.com