AN EXTRA DOSE

Are you taking medications to lower your blood pressure, aspirin to prevent a heart attack, sleeping pills to help quiet your mind, something to calm your 'restless legs', etc., etc.? Do they help beyond time for the next dose, or do the effects diminish before that time? STOP - don't take that extra dose! Besides putting your health at risk, you could be propagating the problem. It is possible that the end of that road is 'addiction'.

Please, do not stop taking the recommended dose of your medications.


Many of our current economic problems cause the worry that, in turn, causes more pain, inability to sleep, elevated B.P., heart palpitations, and 'jumpy' nerves. Perhaps we cannot change the problems, but we can survive them - one breath at a time. Yes, remember to BREATH and BE IN THE MOMENT.

1. Stop, and take a deep breath - with your tongue on the roof of your mouth, breathe in through your nose; then with your tongue relaxed, breathe slowly out your mouth. Do this a few times and concentrate on the process.

2. You will never have this moment again. So recognize it - listen to the sounds, observe the view, notice the smells. Find a focal point and really notice it.

My first attempt at 'being in the moment', I had my bare foot propped up on the edge of the coffee table. Have you taken a good look at a bare foot? I have and it's fascinating. When I stand up, all --- pounds of me are supported by my feet! How magnificently we are made!
( OK, so I sound a little 1960's! - My only drugs are for blood pressure, and a cholesterol lowering med.)

I think you get the idea. For this moment, pay attention to now. Realistically, we do need to plan and prepare, but if we can take a few moments and be here, our blood pressure may drop, our heart and our nerves may get a rest. We might even sleep better.

Don't ignore the help you can find in Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilate's, bike riding, walking,etc. Whatever you can do to RELAX, do it. Maybe you won't want that extra dose!