I spent some time away recently, and it has been 3 years since I was able to take time like that and really relax. It is usually not until we step away from our regular schedule that we really see how important is to take time to recharge, or to even realize how desperately we needed that time. I like to use time like this to focus on my life, my goals, and what I want for the future, always fine tuning. And it was during this time that I came to an understanding or a conclusion, I guess. There are times, in moments like this, that we need to not just access the positive in our lives, but we need to spend time looking at the negative, our shadow side, or the dark. There is so much out in the world about good vibes and positive energy, and, believe me, I am all about the positive and good, don't get me wrong, but what about the other side? The dark side that we all have. The shadowed parts of ourselves, and the negative space we can all find ourselves in. I think it's just as important for us to spend time in these spaces as well, taking time to dwell there, and then learning to accept those things about ourselves. If we can't take a moment in the dark, how can we ever make those things light? How can we ever appreciate that light if we don't stand in the dark? Accepting yourself is accepting all parts of yourself, and I really believe there is such beauty and true wholeness in that. Be easy on all of yourself, and if you can do that, maybe we can be easier on each other. 

A short, less than 5 minute, video guiding you through a breathing technique called the 1:2 Breath. This technique elongates the exhale of our breath to double the length of the inhale. When this happens we slow the heart rate and activate our parasympathetic nervous system, which is our rest and digest state. This allows our bodies to destress and our minds too refocus.