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How do you lose "three layers of tension"?

I work with a global team of colleagues at World Vision International. One of them is John Locke from California. Like many of our staff, John works with people from around the world, often spanning 12 hour time zones in long days of meetings and deadlines. To destress after a busy day, he goes to the martial arts studio to exercise body and mind. John attributes meditation for reducing "three layers of tension."

I find the same is true in my life. We are currently in the Christian season of Lent - the six weeks prior to Easter when Christians prepare to remember Jesus' death and resurrection. The traditional way to prepare is through fasting - giving up something such as a food or habit. Instead of taking something away this year, I'm adding something meaningful - more meditation and prayer. While I always pray before bed every night, I find that I need more than that. My favourite time to pray is after work; I need that transition from rushing to stillness to get ready for my personal time of the day. Now that Canada has finally emerged from its -40C deep freeze, I'm beginning to meditate during sunset walks with my camera.

What removes "three layers of tension" for you? A walk in nature or urban landscapes? Playing an instrument? Meditating in a special place regularly, so that just entering it reduces the first layer of tension automatically? I have a "prayer chair" that brings instant comfort to my soul. If you don't have a meditation habit yet, experiment with a few, but stick with it long enough to let it become natural enough that you can focus on the peace, not the practice.

If you're as busy as John and I, you're too busy not to.

Watch an interview of John on ABC:

Movement, mindfullness through meditation taught to kids in martial arts program, ABC7 Los Angeles, March 5, 2015

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