Holy Jet-lag! I Hurt!

I guess you could say I'm kind of like the postman in that neither rain, nor Houston heat, nor gloom of airport customs agents, nor the winds of change, nor patience challenged, will stay me from my appointed rounds of cherished clients and friends. Ever.

That said, I'll have to admit - it was a tough and looong flight back! LOL!

But - I'm here! Not without some injury, though... it's just a tight lower back. Nothing a little stretching and a decent massage couldn't fix.

Just know this; no matter how "comfortable" the airlines say you will be, unless you're in first class, don't believe'em.

The cramped and crowded confinement of flying coach is enough to make you ache both in body and mind. Good thing there is a technique I've been experimenting with: meditation.

Now, before you start thinking I'm going all zen, hippie, peyote, touchy-feely on you, let me clarify. You don't have to be a flower child, nun, priest or monk to practice meditation. Meditation is nothing more than taking deliberate actions to calm the mind... That's it.

For example, I want you to take a moment right now to breathe deeply and slowly. Put your hand on your belly and feel it rise and fall. Focus on nothing but the rise and fall of your breathing. It's tough to ignore your surroundings; that's why this technique requires deliberate and consistent practice. But I believe in you. You can do this.

If you've been experiencing physical pain or emotional stress, after a few minutes of deep breathing, you may feel some pain and tension just melt away. The more you practice, the more relief you will experience.

What's great about deep breathing as a stress and pain management technique is that you can do it anytime and anywhere -- when you're stuck in a Houston traffic jam, or at your desk, or even in the unbelievably "tiny" seat of a transatlantic flight... ;-)

“Listen to your Body”

John Aaron
massage therapist | health coach

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