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Lorena Bridget is wearing our Glamazon November Ellie outfit. From deep lunge to luxe lounge, this look features a seamless low-impact sports bra, ribbed-trim leggings, soft fleece pullover, and an animal print that’s right on trend!
I’ve always been a HUGE morning person…Early bird gets the worm type. And it just so happens that mornings are the BEST time of day to meditate. Before you turn your phone off of airplane mode and before you make your coffee or walk the dog — MEDITATE.
I promise your day will be filled with harmonious interactions and flow effortlessly along.
Some days, it's much easier than others. But, I know that every day, it's good for me. So, I sit on my cushion, close my eyes, and tap into awareness; just like brushing your teeth. Do it because you know it's good for your health.
5 Tips on How to Breathe It Out:
- Find Your Meditation Spot
This should be a spot free of any external distractions. You should feel safe, peaceful, and comfortable in it. Your own bedroom is a good place for this. After you pick a spot, clean and clear the space around it.
My meditation spot is next to my bedside table!
- Sit in a Comfortable Position
There are many recommendations on sitting positions, like the lotus position, sitting on a cushion, and so on. Now, I just meditate sitting in a cross-legged position with a straight spine, to send the signal to my brain that it is time to concentrate. Find a position that is comfortable for you – sitting on your chair works, too. What you want to avoid is getting so comfortable that you fall into that sleepy state, because then you are not benefiting from the practice. Your hands could be placed on top of your knees. Palms up, if you are ready to receive energy, or palms down for a little more grounding.
- Clear Your Mind
Clear your mind. Release any tension in the body. Take a few deep, slow breaths.
- Sit and Observe
Sit back and observe your thoughts. Allow thoughts to pass you by like clouds. The mind will wander — this is the nature of the mind, and not a problem. When you notice it has wandered, go back to your breath.
- Ending Your Meditation
When you are done with your meditation, slowly begin to deepen your inhales and exhales, coming back to the space around you. Allow for mindful movements (I like to stretch my arms out), and slowly open your eyes. You may want to reflect on what feelings or thoughts came up for you. You may also just want to spend a few minutes to express gratitude for the beautiful things you enjoy in your life.
3 of My Favorite Breathing Techniques
- Shamatha (Breathing as is.)
How to do it: Sitting or standing, feel the weight of your body. Straighten your spine and soften your gaze out in front of you. Connect to your natural breath as you feel the rise and fall of your belly center. When the mind wanders, bring it back to the breath.
- Anatara and Bahya (Intermittent breath retention)
How to do it: Sitting up with a straight spine, exhale all the air in your lungs through your mouth. Close your lips and use your nose to inhale slowly, until your lungs fill up. Hold the breath at the top for a count of 3-5 seconds, and then slowly release. After exhaling all the air out of your lungs, hold your breath for 3-5 seconds before inhaling again.
- Nadi Shodhana (Alternate nostril breathing)
How to do it: Sitting comfortably, rest your right hand on your knee, while using your left thumb to gently close your left nostril. Inhale slowly through the right nostril, then close it with your ring finger. Take a moment, and then exhale through your left nostril. Repeat this on each nostril 5-10 times.
Lorena’s Bio:
I was born and raised in sunny California and graduated from Cal State University of Northridge with a degree in Business Management and Finance. I was first introduced to meditation in college, but did not connect to the practice at first. After college, I began working in Corporate America and got so caught up in the fast-paced lifestyle. I became anxious, stressed, and depressed. During this time, I started to seek ways to get out of this rut. I stumbled across an article on the health benefits of meditation and the science behind it. One of the many benefits listed was to “promote emotional well-being”. That was all I wanted — to be happy. I immediately gave meditation another try. I started practicing more frequently and I remember, so vividly, leaving a class feeling so happy — so happy that I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. It was then that I knew this was really working for me, and in that moment my heart became really open to meditation. I fell in love with meditation, but most importantly, I fell in love with myself.
Meditation has made me kinder and more compassionate towards others and myself. Meditation has been a light in my life and I am forever grateful for the love, patience, and healing it brings to me. My intention is to pass all this goodness on to my community! Namaste.
Flash Round Favorites Q & A:
- Matcha or Coffee
- Yoga or Pilates
- Fall or Summer
- World Traveler or Backyard Explorer
- Gilmore Girls or Friends
- Early bird or Night Owl
- Tacos & Guac or Burgers & Fries
- Coffee — Iced coffee w/almond milk creamer!
- Yoga — Backbends (heart openers) are my fave!
- Fall — Give me all the cozies!
- World Traveler — Still need to make it to Italy, at some point!
- Friends — Love Rachel!
- Early Bird — The early bird catches the worm!
- Tacos & Guac — YUM!
This meditation practice was contributed exclusively to Ellie by Lorena Bridget. Instagram: @lorenabridget_