In this crazy world we live in, it is easy to get caught up in the negative turbulence around us. With today’s rate of unemployment, financial markets dropping, and sky-high mortgages, we can easily get caught up in the stresses of life. No matter how chaotic things seem, I know of a “life raft of peace” that we can retreat to whenever we desire.

Here is a quick overview of 5 techniques that I use on a regular basis:

1. This is an easy mini-meditation when you’ve had enough and you need to reconnect and re-energize.
   • Stop what you are doing. If possible, go outside.
   • Inhale to the count of 8. Take a deep breath and while counting to 8, breathe in new energy.
   • Hold to the count of 8, seeing the breath absorb all of your stress, toxins and tension.
   • Exhale to the count of 8, releasing all tension and toxins from your body.
   • Do this 6 or 7 times. Stop and notice the beauty around you. Even if you live in the city, a potted plant is all it takes to enjoy the miracle of nature. Feel cleansed and be in the presence of life in this moment.
2. Daily outside activity can be another form of meditation. Gardening or connecting with an animal can take you into the beauty and enchantment of the present moment. A simple walk alone, can be transforming. Slow down and be with the trees, the grass, and the flowers. Feel the sun or the wind on your skin. My husband has the luxury of taking a regular surf in the sea by our home. Imagine the connection with nature when he drops into the tube or the spinning vortex of salt water and negative ions! Swell or no swell, he always comes back a different person!
3. Find time throughout your day for meditative moments. Be awake to those activities that allow you to be conscious. Sitting in traffic, standing in a queue, waiting for the kettle to boil, well, waiting for anything. These are good times to be consciously present. I like to take a few deep, mindful breaths and go within. It’s like getting off the rollercoaster for a moment.
4. Create a sacred space or alter. Make it yours by adding things that feel good to you. You can use a candle, incense, pictures of a spiritual leader or guru, flowers, or pieces of nature like stones, shells or feathers. Or not. Again, this is your space. Keep it fresh. The most important thing is that it feels good and that you commit to taking time every day to visit your space. While there you might want to say a prayer, read an inspirational page from a book or just breathe in silence.
5. Developing a regular practice of sitting meditation can help us stay grounded in our “true self.” Having a regular meditation time, place and practice is a powerful technique for staying detached from the daily turbulence of life and remaining connected to our inner peace. There are many types of meditation, but the most basic is a breathing meditation. You begin watching the breath and with practice, you eventually become the breath. This form of meditation takes the most commitment and discipline, but the rewards are the most beneficial and lasting. With this form of meditation, you can actually become a different person.I like to end my meditation with a prayer for peace for all humanity. It’s nice to share some of that inner love and radiate it out into the world.After your meditation, don’t rush back into your activity. Try to carry your peaceful connection into everything you do.Like anything, meditation takes commitment and practice. A regular practice is more important than the duration of the practice. Even 10 minutes a day will make a difference. The more you meditate, the more you will want to meditate. After a while you begin to wonder why you never did it before!If you are interested in learning more about this simple meditation practice, visit here.

Copyright 2009 Cindy Prosor.

Cindy Prosor, the Inner Feng Shui Guidess is a writer, teacher, entrepreneur and expert inner-peace coach. Cindy works with others who are ready to turn up the volume of love, inner-peace and abundance in their lives through her private and group mentoring and coaching programs. For more articles like this, please take a look around. While you are here, don’t forget to grab your FREE tips on the 7 Biggest Feng Shui Secrets to Creating Abundance, Better Relationships and Radiant Health.