Some Me Time

I used to enjoy my "me time" whenever my family is in Manila for a vacation. Today is different. I managed to accomplish a lot in my to-do list today while my husband is back in Manila to fetch our daughter. I noticed that it's very quiet at home.

I think I am coming out of my shell now. I am a loner but I think I don't like to be one anymore. I just miss the squabbles and bickering I have with my daughter. I miss picking after my husband and daughter's mess (add our dog Millie too!). There's no one to talk to. I just stare at Millie, watch some boring re-runs and watch the fish swim.  Honestly, I thought I would become an hermit one day but deep inside I just realized, it's not fun being alone. While I enjoy some "me time" on shopping and beauty and spa sessions, I still want the company of my family and friends. I miss the fun, the loud noise which drives me up the wall, the mess here and there. I miss the "normal" life I have.

So, I guess I will have to bear this quiet time for few weeks until the "riot" (read:  father and daughter tandem = mess and a lot of noise at home = NORMAL LIFE) comes back.

The Art of Meditation

In the hustle and bustle of our busy lives, do we still find time to focus on our inner "self" and give calm and order to a chaotic life? Well, I asked myself that because my stress level has reached its peak lately. I have been having upset stomach for days on end; my hyper-acidity is causing havoc again; and my back is painful. A lot of factors have been contributing to all these nuisances and I just want to have a time out.

I haven't meditated for a long time now. I almost forgot how. But I am a creature of habit so recalling how I used to meditate in times like this comes back easily because it is already inherent to me.

When escaping physically seems to be an impossible feat to achieve, just have a time out and meditate. Here's how to do it:

1. Go inside your room or a quiet place. When you live with other people and you think you will be unable to meditate with someone staring at you, just go inside your bathroom. Place a clean mat and sit there. I always do that!

2. Dim the lights or draw the curtains.

3. Use scented candles or essences if you like but make sure you don't place that next to the curtain or instead of meditating, you'll end up putting out a fire!

4. Close your eyes and visualize.

5. Do some chanting or say something over and over. My best line is always this "I am in control. I am in control..."

6. Take a deep breathe. Breathe in and out. Each time you do that, savor every breath you take like it is your last.

These work for me and I am sure there are more ways to do meditation apart from what I have shared. Try it and you'll be amazed by the peace that will permeate your life after that.