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Get Focused and into the State of Flow, Part 2

Get Focused and into the State of Flow, Part 2

by Linda-Ann Stewart

In part 1, we examined what the state of flow is and how it’s beneficial to your life. The more often you enter the flow state, the more you train your brain to enter it at will. This means that you’ll be able to induce it when you need to work on a project, or complete a task. It also means that your days will have less stress, even if there are setbacks. The Universe has more access to guide and inspire you.

Here are 9 ways to build focus and train yourself to get into the state of flow:

  1. Crafting or hobbies. Knitting, jewelry making, woodworking, or any craft or hobby will allow you to slip into the state of flow.
  2. Meditation. This practice strengthens the ability to focus, and promotes a sense of calm.  
  3. Affirmations or self-talk. By giving yourself positive reinforcement, you’re able to reduce anxiety and promote motivation.
  4. Relaxation practice. When you relax your body, your mind lets go as well, which allows it to enter the state of flow.
  5. Visualization. Imagining each part of your day going smoothly gives your subconscious mind the direction to begin to work out solutions to problems ahead of time.
  6. Mindfulness. Objectively paying attention to your breathing, scanning your body, being aware of your thoughts and emotions, and not judging them, helps you to be in the moment.
  7. Music. Listening to music, without words, engages the part of your mind that opens to flow.
  8. Reading. Just 10 minutes of reading can lower your heart rate, stress and boost relaxation.
  9. Exercise. A work out, even just walking, releases brain chemicals that counter depression and boosts mood.

Focus, and the state of flow, changes the brain, creating new pathways that improve your attitude and resilience. The more at ease and peaceful you are, the easier it is for you to handle bumps in life. As you enjoy the state of flow more, your life can also flow more smoothly. You’ll be more in tune with Universal Good. Just as water flows around obstacles and rocks, so will you.

Affirmation:

I dedicate myself to practicing the state of flow. Each time I slip into the state of focused awareness, I’m training myself to repeat it whenever I want. When I experience this state more often, my life flows more smoothly. I have all that I need to successfully handle any situation or circumstance that arises. I am more easily guided and directed by Universal Mind.

As a focus mentor, hypnotherapist, and writer, Linda-Ann Stewart motivates women entrepreneurs and small business owners to focus and transform their business through deliberate actions that break through distraction and overwhelm to greater success, wellbeing and prosperity.To boost productivity and reduce overwhelm, register for her FREE guide, Design Your Best Day, at https://www.Linda-AnnStewart.com/guide.html

It’s Safe to Relax

It’s Safe to Relax

by Linda-Ann Stewart

As I was guiding a client into self-hypnosis using a relaxation technique, I noticed her shoulders becoming more and more tense. I suggested “It’s safe to relax,” and her shoulders dropped. She successfully went into self-hypnosis and we continued with her session. At the conclusion, she opened her eyes and said, “I couldn’t relax until you told me it was safe to do so.”

Are You Afraid to Relax?

I’ve heard this same thing from numerous clients. Many people have a fear of letting go and relaxing for a variety of reasons. Some of them have come from dysfunctional homes, and have learned to be hypervigilant in order to survive. Others have been through a long period of crises that have emotionally hit them over and over, until they, too, are hypervigilant. People with either of these issues often fear that something awful will happen if they let down their guard.

Sometimes anxieties or fears will begin to surface as a person starts the relaxation process. These are feelings that they’ve been able to keep suppressed and are now rising to the surface because their conscious control of them has loosened. Or a person could simply become apprehensive because relaxing is so unfamiliar that they feel uncomfortable doing it.

Tension Depletes You

Stress, tension or a sense of pressure signals the brain to keep the mind and body on alert, prepared for physical danger. Waiting for the other shoe to drop, or the next crisis, damages the body in subtle ways. The medical profession believes that stress causes or worsens  over 90% of illnesses. It’s like water dripping through a hole in a glass. Eventually, the glass will empty completely. Stress and tension actually wear away body systems, until they are depleted.

Being able to relax is essential to a person’s well-being, both physical and emotional. Relaxation allows the body to heal in a natural fashion, like replenishing the water in the glass. The body then has a reservoir of energy to draw from and preserve health.

Relaxation Replenishes You

Relaxation is the way we tell the brain that we’re safe, that all is well. For those who’ve existed in a dangerous environment, feeling safe is a new concept. I remind them that if there’s going to be a crisis, it’s going to happen whether they’re tense or relaxed. Relaxation not only gives the mind a feeling of safety, it provides it with more resources, reserves, and resiliency to handle the challenges of life.

Where a small setback, like being late to work, might have been all that was needed for a mental meltdown, the more relaxed person can keep the situation in perspective. Creativity and problem solving are also enhanced, as is mental flexibility. A person can be more productive and efficient, because their mental resources aren’t diverted to keeping them alert for a danger which may no longer exist. 

Relearn to Relax

In our fast-paced world, we have a habit of  being tense. Although relaxation is a natural process, it needs to be relearned. I tell my clients that they’re entering a period of training. They’re re-educating their bodies and minds to let go of tension and return to their natural state of relaxation. As they practice, they feel better mentally, emotionally, and physically. They quickly find that the rewards of relearning to relax are powerful and tangible.

Affirmation:

It’s safe to let go and relax. I’m safe now. I drop my shoulders, and release the tension in every part of my body. By relaxing, I’m allowing healing energy to fill my mind, body and spirit. In doing so, I have more resources and resiliency to deal with the challenges of my life. I trust that all is well, and Divine Right Action takes place for the Highest Good of all concerned.

As a focus mentor, hypnotherapist, and writer, Linda-Ann Stewart motivates women entrepreneurs and small business owners to focus and transform their business through deliberate actions that break through distraction and overwhelm to greater success, wellbeing and prosperity.To boost productivity and reduce overwhelm, register for her FREE guide, Design Your Best Day, at https://www.Linda-AnnStewart.com/guide.html

Meditate Away Stress

Meditate Away Stress

by Linda-Ann Stewart

When people come into my office, I generally have to educate them about stress. They think that stress just arises from difficult relationships, the death of a loved one, or from the workplace. But stress can come from events such as Christmas, moving, a wedding or divorce, a vacation or even winning the lottery. The common denominator of what causes stress is a person having to adjust to something new.

Anytime you have something out of your normal routine, your mind has to make changes to accommodate the new circumstances. The subconscious mind doesn’t like change. It likes the status quo, so whenever anything throws it off its schedule, your subconscious complains.

The Results of Stress

Stress results in tension, anxiety, short temper, tiredness, memory loss, inability to sleep, worry, obsessing over non-essentials, and much more. When you’re stressed, you tend to believe the lie that you are separate from the Universe. Without relief, stress begets more stress, and escalates. If stress continues unabated, it will eventually erode the body’s organs, and create illness or disease.

The Benefits of Meditation

To combat stress and its consequences, meditate each day. This puts a break in the cycle of stress. Meditating and relaxing helps to calm the mind and body. Instead of always feeling on edge and in danger, meditation lets the mind know that all is well and you are safe. This allows the body and mind to recover and recharge. 

As a side benefit of meditation, you actually become more efficient, effective and creative. Your awareness of your intuition will be enhanced. Any kind of meditation will do, from concentrating on a mantra, to doing self-hypnosis. Select the one that you resonate with. You just need to take the time to center, getting back in touch with yourself and your Higher Self. By doing so, you’ll have more time and resources to deal with the events of your life.

Affirmation

I am now relaxed and calm in every situation and circumstance. I know the the Universe protects and guides me at all times. As I take the time to center in this knowledge each day, my life flows more smoothly. When a challenge arises in my life, I remember that the Universe has any answer that I need. I open my mind to listen for the solution.

As a focus mentor, hypnotherapist, and writer, Linda-Ann Stewart motivates women entrepreneurs and small business owners to focus and transform their business through deliberate actions that break through distraction and overwhelm to greater success, wellbeing and prosperity.To boost productivity and reduce overwhelm, register for her FREE guide, Design Your Best Day, at https://www.Linda-AnnStewart.com/guide.html You can contact her at LAS@Linda-AnnStewart.com or 928-600-0452.

Sparks of Insight

Sparks of Insight

Sparks of Insight

Relaxation, harmony and ease are your natural state of being. When you’re tense, anxious or worried, you’re actually just blocking the flow of the Universe through you. The good that you desire hasn’t gone away, it’s just tied up in knots and can’t move. Your attention is on what you’re afraid of, rather than on what you want. And “where attention goes, energy flows.” When you let go, you let relaxation and good surface and express in your life.

~ Linda-Ann Stewart

Sparks of Insight

Sparks of Insight

Sparks of Insight

Peace and relaxation is your natural state of being. When you are at rest, your muscles are at ease and energy flows through you. This allows your body and mind to recharge and heal. If you become anxious or upset, this ties up the energy in tense muscles. It doesn’t mean that relaxation isn’t there, it’s just blocked. When you’re able to let go, do or think of something more enjoyable or positive, then relaxation surfaces again. Practice taking a relaxation break every hour for just one minute and notice the difference in how your day goes.

~ Linda-Ann Stewart

Trending Articles of the Week

Trending Articles of the Week

How to make friends with stress by Shamash Alidina

Stress is a complicated topic. A little bit of stress is good for you, too much is bad for you, and your attitude about it affects how it impacts you. Use the mindfulness exercise in this article to reframe how you view stress, and change the experience to be more positive.

The Trap of Emotional Nonacceptance

Does your inner critic take you to task when you feel an unpleasant emotion? The distressing  emotion doesn’t feel good to begin with, and the inner criticism makes it worse. Instead of fighting those undesirable emotions, use the steps in this article to start feeling better.

Types of Stress and Stress Relief Techniques For Each

There are so many different ways to relieve stress that it can sometimes be difficult to find the best technique for your personality and situation. However, it’s well worth the effort to find the right stress reliever for you. This list of stress management techniques are grouped in 4  categories that you may encounter in your life.

~ Linda-Ann Stewart

Deal with thoughts during meditation?

Deal with thoughts during meditation?

Question about affirmations

Question: How do I deal with overwhelming thoughts when I’m trying to meditate?

Answer: It’s normal to have problems with thoughts distracting you during meditation. It happens to those first starting meditation as well as seasoned meditators. It’s one reason why there are so many meditation techniques that use some sort of focus, like a mantra or staring at a candle.

When I use self-hypnosis at the beginning of a meditation, I go deeper than with any other technique. And because you’re focusing on relaxing your body, counting down and then imagining a special place, it helps to calm down the errant thoughts. However, it is a constant practice to keep them calm and not let them distract you.

Whenever you have a thought try to get your attention, bring your focus back to your special place, affirmation or any visualization you’re using. You’re in the process of training your mind. Letting it know that you’re going to take charge. Once you’ve practiced enough to get the thoughts quieter, the next step is to be able to simply observe them and let them go.

~ Linda-Ann Stewart

Guided Meditation to a Calm Mind and Better Life

Guided Meditation to a Calm Mind and Better Life

When you’re upset, it affects your body, tensing your muscles. The reverse is also true, if your body is relaxed, then your mind is calm. You can control your state of mind through relaxing your body so you can be more peaceful. A calm mind allows you have a sense of well-being and to think more clearly. Use this meditation to access a peaceful state that can contribute to more success and satisfaction in your life.

Transcript:

Thank you for joining me. Have you ever noticed that when you’re upset, stressed, anxious or worried that your muscles are tense? And that you breathe shallowly, from your upper chest? Your thoughts are telling your body that you’re feeling threatened, and they’re responding to protect you.

But did you realize that when you deliberately relax your muscles and take deep breaths, your mind begins to calm down and you feel more peaceful? It’s true. What affects the mind will affect the body and vice versa. You have the power to take control over your state of mind, by affecting your body.

I’m Linda-Ann Stewart, of Heartvision Consulting. I’m a vision strategist, helping women program their business for success by creating a master plan. But I’ve also been a hypnotherapist for over 30 years. I’ve helped hundreds of people to improve their quality of life through relaxation and then to achieve their goals.

I’d like to lead you through a short meditation of deliberate relaxation that will help you find more calm, so you have a better life.

If you want to, close your eyes.

Take a long slow deep breath. Now let it out, letting it go. Take another deep breath in. Now exhale, letting it go, all the way out. Take one more deep breath. And let it go, all the way out.

Now place your attention on your scalp. Let go of the muscles there. Imagine them becoming like a floppy rubber band.

Bring your attention to your face. Relax your facial muscles.

Place your attention on your neck, and let those muscles relax.

Now your shoulders drop, loose and limp.

Your arms relax, like a rag doll.

Your chest and abdoman become soft and relaxed.

Place your attention on your back, and you let it relax, becoming like soft putty, relaxing all the way down to your hips.

And now your legs relax, all the way down to your toes.

Just relaxing your entire body from the top of your head to the bottoms of your feet.

Now imagine that you’re feeling calm, peaceful, serene, like your mind is a calm pool of water. Safe and secure. Floating with a sense of well being.

I wonder how you can create this calm, peace, serenity, safety, security and well-being in your life from this moment on? Maybe you can create it with 3 deep breaths, and a quick relaxation. Maybe you can simply remember how it felt to be at ease. No matter how, it can be easy for you now to create this calm and well being in your life. And you can bring this peace with you into your life as you open your eyes.

How did that feel? The more you practice it, the easier it becomes. The effects accumulate over time.

Whenever your mind is calm, you have a sense of well being, are able to think more clearly and make better decisions. You’re more creative, resourceful, and resilient in the face of challenges. In addition, you’re more attractive to people, both in your personal and professional lives. You’re able to feel more fulfilled and satisfied in your work. Isn’t that worth taking a couple of minutes out of every day to practice this exercise?

If you’d to achieve a 90-day goal more easily, download my free comprehensive Strategic Vision guide at www. SetYourCourseGuide.com. You’ll receive the guide, as well as a training video of that walks you through it with tips and directions to support you in being able to  accomplish your goal.

Thank you for watching. I hope you’re able to take this meditation and practice it daily to bring you a much better life. Take care.

~ Linda-Ann Stewart

Trending Articles of the Week

Trending Articles of the Week

3 Ways to Better Understand Your Emotions

Many struggle to identify what exactly they’re feeling, and often times the most obvious label isn’t actually the most accurate. Because of society, culture, and family rules about ignoring or suppressing them, many people don’t even recognize that they’re feeling anything. But it leaks out in inappropriate ways. But when we’re able to accurately label what we’re feeling, we can decide how to address the issue.

Use Guided Imagery For Relaxation

Both guided imagery and relaxation are amazing remedies for stress and anxiety. The benefits have long ranging mental, emotional and physical effects. This article gives some specific instructions and tips on how to practice this effective technique.

A quick technique to overcome procrastination

Procrastination sabotages your productivity, effectiveness, and can impact your relationships. It’s designed to have you put off what might be boring, uncomfortable or unpleasant. But those tasks still need to be done, and putting them off means that you waste your time and energy. This article shows you 4 steps and several tips to break the habit of procrastination.

~ Linda-Ann Stewart

Trending Articles of the Week

Trending Articles of the Week

To Feel More Productive, Take a Break to Do Something Selfless

In our pressured, hectic lives, it seems like we don’t have enough time to get everything done. Crossing an item off your to-do list gives you a feeling of accomplishment, but then you add three more items. Self-care is important for your wellbeing, but doesn’t make you productive. However, being altruistic gives you a sense that you have more time to get things done.

How to Stay Motivated and Reach Your Big Goals in Life

To accomplish your goals, you have to stay motivated, even for the tasks you don’t like. Here are 5 simple, yet effective, ways on how to get motivated and stay on course to your goal. You don’t have to use all of them to be effective. Mix and match the ones that work for you.

Stress Management: How to Reduce, Prevent, and Cope with Stress

Sometimes it seems like there’s nothing you can do about your stress. You may feel overwhelmed and powerless over it. But you have more control than you think. You can take charge of how you manage your thoughts, actions and how you handle your problems. Explore the 6 strategies in this article to manage your stress and discover a more balanced life.

~ Linda-Ann Stewart