3 PRACTICES FOR RESILIENCE
Image: Ulay
If you’re new to the Benshen universe, just know we’re big on angel numbers. We see them EVERYWHERE. The repetition of “3”, for example, reminds us: Blessings Already Received. Seeing “3” is a sign you are supported, a sign to keep going/ keep going/ keep going because the Blessings are on their way, in the rocket shop, en route to you baby.
But while we wait oh, so patiently for the magic to happen, and it WILL, we decided to launch a new series of THREE PRACTICES to do whenever the challenges or tensions or whatever wants to come up as we practice the biggest and holiest practice of them all: TRUST. And those repeating numbers or signs are little nudges from the universe telling us it's got our back. And until then, here are some tools to add to your toolkit.
To be clear, the idea is not to spiritually bypass our feelings or avoid our current reality, but to instead channel frenetic energy into something that nurtures us, to help us spiral up in a sense.
There’s potency in these practices—180 seconds can change our trajectory, and steer us back towards what lights us up and fills up our cup. These 3-minute practices can loosen the grip of our distractions, the ones that keep us from moving in the direction of our ultimate Visions. Simply add these to your ever-growing toolbox—and forward this to a few friends who may need them too—and keep ‘em in your back pockets to use for an energetic pick-me-up and observe what transpires.
Image: Lucio Fontana
1: MEDITATION FOR A CALM HEART
This practice is designed to induce a sense of calmness, and create a clear perception of your relationship with yourself and others.
HOW TO: sitting in a comfortable position, close your eyes, place your left hand over the center of your chest, and right hand raised in gyan mudra (touching the index finger and thumb)as if giving a pledge.
Then, slowly and with intention inhale through both nostrils. Suspend the breath for as long as you comfortably can, filling the chest. Then, exhale smoothly, gradually, and completely. When the breath is completely out, hold the breath out as long as comfortably can without straining. Repeat for three minutes.
Contraindications: Do not do if pregnant.
2: MEDITATION TO ALLEVIATE YOUR STRESS
This practice is designed to wash the stress from your physical and subtle bodies, helping to reclaim yourself and quiet the mind’s noise.
HOW TO: sitting in a comfortable position, rest your hands on your knees and close your eyes. Inhale through both nostrils in 8 equal strokes (or small sniffs), then exhale in a powerful, cannonball-like singular stroke. Continue for three minutes.
Contraindications: Do not do if pregnant.
3: RA MA DA SA
HOW TO: Listen to this mantra that encourages total healing - pair it with long, deep breathing for three minutes or for however long needed. It's a beautiful practice to do in bed before drifting to sleep. As one of the most powerful healing mantras, it’s also potent to play on loop as you sleep, providing healing throughout the night.
MANTRA: RA MA DA SA SA SAY SO HUNG
BONUS: JOURNAL PROMPTS
Make it old school—take pen to paper (handwriting activates certain parts of our cognitive development that typing can’t replace) and ask yourself these questions:
1. What’s on my mind right now?
2. What’s one thing I can do about it?
3. What can I let go of, energetically or otherwise?