Boost Your Spirituality In Your Lunch Break

Finding your inner light doesn’t have to wait until meditation class – here’s how to connect with spirit wherever you are 

Wouldn’t it be great if we could all spend a few months deepening our spirituality in an Indian ashram or on a vision quest in the Rocky Mountains? While these inspiring escapades could shape up to be life changing, it’s important to remember that spirituality isn’t only found somewhere exotic – everything you’re looking for can be discovered right here, right now. And, it doesn’t have to take hours to feel a connection with the Universe; you can stay in contact all day, no matter how hectic your schedule.

So, rather than holding off until you can afford that spiritual pilgrimage, try concentrating on the simple changes you can make now to enhance your everyday life. Here are a few ways to refresh your spirit (even if you’ve only got two ticks to spare).

BREATH EASY AND RELAX WITH PRANAYAMA

In the kundalini yoga tradition, a combination of movement and breathing techniques (known as pranayama) are used to ignite the kundalini energy at the base of your spine. You can connect with this source of power through a simple exercise called Sitali, also known as ‘cooling breath’. You don’t need to find a quiet spot, slip into loose garments or even sit cross-legged to practise Sitali (although you may get a few funny looks if you do it in front of your work colleagues – try it out in the loo or when you’re alone in the kitchen). Simply close your eyes, curl your tongue and inhale through your mouth. Then, close your mouth and exhale through your nose. The purpose of this exercise is to alter the energy in your body so that you feel more centred. It’s particularly good if you’ve experienced some sort of conflict and you want to feel calmer.

FENG SHUI YOUR WAY TO PEACE

You can positively reshape your day-to-day life by re-arranging your desk according to a few basic feng shui guidelines. Practitioners believe the placement of objects in a  space affects the flow of chi (life force or essential energy) and can help you feel immediately uplifted. The first rule is to get rid of clutter! You can’t expect to be zen when you’re fighting your way through piles of paperwork. Spending a few minutes before the end of the day filing and tidying is a great way to improve your general peace of mind – you’ll, of course, notice an improvement to your productivity, too. The top left-hand corner of your desk is linked to your finances and self-esteem, so try placing a small potted plant or fresh flowers in this area to enhance personal growth. Another suggestion is to place an attractive metal object in the central right-hand side of the desk – this is thought to boost creativity and harmony.

STAY CONNECTED WITH A CHAKRA BALANCE

Ever had one of those days when everything you say is taken the wrong way? Most of us experience moments when communication with our work colleagues is strained. But often, it’s not just about what you’re saying; misunderstandings can happen when you’re not aligned with other people’s energy. Having difficulty expressing yourself can be linked to an unbalanced throat chakra (one of the seven main energy centres in the body) and, if left unchecked, may lead to feelings of isolation and frustration. When everything is harmonised in this area, you’re able to speak articulately and empathise with others’ points of view. To help open up the channels of communication and feel instantly connected to everyone in the office, try practising this visualisation while at your desk: imagine a sapphire-blue ball of energy spinning slowly inside your throat. See the circle of blue expanding in your throat, mouth and chest area. Notice the stillness in your body. Then, visualise the light coming out of the top of your head and down into your colleagues’ throat chakras, connecting you all. Breathe deeply for a few moments, then release the power source back into your chakra, closing the energy centre as you do.

TAP AWAY NEGATIVE VIBES

Another great way to instantaneously heighten your vibrations, wherever you are, is with a round of emotional freedom technique (sometimes referred to as ‘psychological acupressure’). EFT involves using your fingertips to tap on your body’s energy meridians, while repeating positive affirmations. This process is thought to restore balance to mind, body and spirit, and you can feel the wellbeing effects after the first time you try it. To have a spiritually-open and loving day, why not give it a go on your way to work or during an afternoon break? Simply say the phrase: “Even though I (state how you are feeling or a situation that’s occurred), I completely love and accept myself”. As you repeat this, tap seven times on each of the following energy points: inner edge of the eyebrow; outer edge of the eyebrow, under the eye; under the nose; on the chin; collar bone; under the armpits and on the top of the head. After you have completed the circuit once, repeat until you feel yourself filling with vitality. If you make even just one of these easy excercises a part of your daily routine, you’ll soon feel uplifted, empowered and motivated – and your colleagues will notice your energy shift, too!

TRY IT FOR YOURSELF

Psychic Medium Tony Stockwell shares a powerful meditation to try at lunch

“Before you eat, sit in a quiet area, close your eyes and consider who you truly are. Pay no thought to the physical or emotional self and you’ll be left with the eternal part of you – the spirit within. “This simple act of considering your inner being allows you to move closer into your conscious awareness. It may help to visualise yourself as a beautiful being made of light. The results can be immeasurable as you begin to exude happiness and kindness, while carrying out your afternoon endeavours!”