SOS Calm #3 - An 8 Minute Meditation to Inspire Hope in the Midst of Overwhelming News

Breath Awareness

Chrissy Carter introduces a meditation technique centered on breath awareness to help individuals find calm amidst overwhelming news. By focusing on the breath, one can anchor themselves, allowing the mind to redirect focus from external chaos to internal peace. Chrissy emphasizes the importance of observing the breath as a tool to relax the body and settle the mind, creating a space for hope and positivity.

Wherever you are. Pause. Find a comfortable seat, something that feels both supportive and easy in your body. Don't force anything. You can sit in a chair or upright in your couch, just anything that feels really, really, truly comfortable, and then take your gaze inward. Whether or not you choose to close your eyes. Bring your attention inside of yourself. One of the best ways to do that is to follow the breath. So watch yourself as you breathe in. Feel your rib cage swell, your chest rise, and then watch yourself breathe out. Notice how the shoulders relax and the body settles. As thoughts arise during our meditation, you can always return to the breath. This will anchor you and help to redirect your focus.

--- Chrissy Carter

This practice not only aids in calming the mind but also in shifting one's perspective towards a more hopeful outlook 1 2.

   

Creating Space

Creating mental and emotional space is crucial in transforming how we perceive overwhelming news. Chrissy Carter guides listeners to focus on positive thoughts and actions, which can help shift from feelings of hopelessness to empowerment. By anchoring in examples of goodness and positive impact, individuals can create a boundary between the harsh realities of the world and the hopeful reality they wish to cultivate.

It could be something small, some random act of kindness, a smile to a stranger, or it could be something big. Simply by taking our mind to the positive choice, to the sense of hope and lightness, we begin to create space away from that negative bombardment of news. It can shift our focus from hopelessness to hope, from powerlessness to action.

--- Chrissy Carter

This approach not only fosters a sense of hope but also encourages active participation in creating positive change 2.