Apply Your Mask First Please (*No it’s not what you think!)

Okay, okay. I know we are all over the “mask thing”.  But my teaching of “apply your own mask first” was around long before our current global situation.

It goes a little like this. All of us who have been on an aeroplane have been through the lovely safety drills. They tell us loud and clear that should there be an emergency, the masks will fall from above and they state “Please apply your own mask first before helping others.”. 

As a Woman of many different roles, I can share with you that somewhere along the line we lost this practice and were told it is selfish to look after you first. I am here to say a big loud NO, it’s not! Because just like in the plane, if you are okay you can support and be there for others. 

If you are gasping for air, drowning under the weight of responsibilities and demands how can you be there for your family? For your career? But most importantly how can you be there for you and your health?

Don’t you deserve to enjoy your life? It isn’t just a practice run. Each day our life gives us so many opportunities. It doesn’t just save all the good things for holidays.

Life is every day. This is it. Let’s help you make the most of it.

During last week’s discussion of the topic “Why do we keep waiting?”, I gave you simple ideas of how to practice the beginning of change. Did you give them a go? Just like the plane, the mindful breath will always be the greatest application to apply to yourself first.  

Breath is life and something as simple as bringing it into your everyday awareness can have major positive changes in your physiology and psychology.

Noticing your breath throughout the day is a little like letting the steam out of the pressure cooker.  Little moments of releasing the “tension/steam” that helps you to not be ready to explode by the end of the day!  Does that happen to you? It used to happen to me especially when my family was younger but then I began to apply what I knew from my yoga teaching, what I am sharing here, and my whole world changed.

Here is a simple hint to give a go. Remember you are breathing anyway, aren’t you? No extra time, it is already with you so no expense, but what it does take is for you to notice…

Breathe in - Saying in your mind  “I am breathing in”….

Breathe out - Saying in your mind “I am breathing out”...

Now as you do this, imagine all the tension aka steam that has been building up in your mind, emotions and physical body melting away to the earth.  Every exhalation is like lifting the lid, letting the steam go tension to melt from you as you breathe out….

Honestly, have you ever been in a check out line (especially at the moment with Christmas!) and you are feeling stressed because it isn’t moving quick enough? Why not do this instead?  You are there anyway?  Wishing the line to move quicker won’t make it move quicker.  So why not practice this and you will be the one that by the time you get to the cashier you will smile and ask her/him how their day is. Isn’t that so much nicer than the tension and steam you used to build?

It helps you apply your mask first in all kinds of situations.

Here’s a few examples from daily life when you might feel the “steam” building. 

Bathing your kids: Whilst you are there beside the bath helping them bathe, practice breathing.

Stuck in traffic instead of being frustrated: Practice the mask of breath first.

Running late to a meeting or getting the kids to school: Again, practice the mask of breath first. That way when you arrive you won’t burst through the door a hot mess or send the kids out of the car with a “Quick, hurry up!”. Instead, you and the kids will arrive cool, calm and ready to do whatever it is you are there for.

Can’t get to sleep: Well you know getting frustrated won’t help you get to sleep. So instead, try the breath and melt the tension and thoughts into the bed and into the floor.

Honestly, there are a thousand different strategies and scenarios I could share with you.  If you need some help with a personal scenario and how to let the steam off please reach out.  

I am always here happy to help anyone who is looking for ways to create positive change in the busy life they lead.

Hope you found this newsletter helpful.

Have an amazing week being you and remember to shine bright and brilliant!

Alli