Week #3: Managing Stress From Home
Updated: Jun 18, 2020

WELCOME TO WEEK 3
We have covered awareness of breath and energy in the first two weeks and now it's time for the ultimate mindfulness - taking back control of your wandering mind. This week, I will be sharing with you some techniques to develop mental strength for concentration.
Staying focused had become even more challenging now if we are working from home surrounded by new distractions. How do we reinstall discipline, time management and even self-motivation when we are away from an office environment? Share your story with us!
DEALING WITH STRESS FROM HOME
Whether it's working from home or simply living with loved ones and family under the same roof, the most common stress we face is tensions caused by communication breakdown.
Whenever such conflicts arise, it not only creates disharmony in the house but also for our health and wellbeing.
I have came up with a guiding principle for myself to deal with family conflicts. It is a quote that I have read from the book "Wonder" many years ago and it had stuck with me since.
"If you have to choose between Being Right and Being Kind. Choose Being Kind."
In fact, it is also the name for "Shan Living". "Shan" in chinese means kindness.
So, everytime I get into some unpleasant rows or situations at home, I will be very mindful and remind myself to "choose kind".
Conflicts mainly stem from the egoistic need be right and win the argument. This constant need to be right may be wrong and unnecessary, especially when it comes to our very own loving family.
Henceforth, the next time your mind enters the competitive winning mode against family members and loved ones, take a deep breath in and whisper "choose kind". It might even help by spelling out the word K.I.N.D. Another word that carries alot of loving energy is P.A.T.I.E.N.C.E.
Repeat as many times as needed until the strong emotions simmer down and eventually melt away.
This way we diffuse the bomb and restore peace to the home again as well as your wellbeing.
MEDITATION TECHNIQUE: FOCUSED MEDITATION
Here's a preview of what you'll be practising in this week's class, these exercises are meant to train the mind for deeper concentration
Lotus Pose (Padmasana) + Stretches
Ujjayi / Philtrum Breathing
4 Cycles Breathing + Breath Drawing
Thoughts Awareness Meditation Techniques
To fully enjoy the class, I strongly encourage you to try sitting on the ground with yoga mat, floor cushions or stacked blankets. When we bring our sit bones closer to the earth, it helps immensely in creating the grounding for your practice.
GOT ANY QUESTION?
Dear App Annies, if you have any question regarding the exercises or the topic, feel free to leave your comments below, I will be sure to reply them. Otherwise, you can also email me at shan@shan-living.com
Love & Light,
Silvia