An Exercise in Being Young at Heart

“And if you should survive to a hundred and five
Look at all you'll derive out of bein' alive
And here is the best part, you have a head start
If you are among the very young at heart.”

-        Song Lyrics by Frank Sinatra & Charles Aznavour

As the end of August draws near, some of us may be feeling like a balloon deflating, wondering, “how did the summer go by so fast?”  This often contrasts significantly with our childhood experience of summer when the days seemed longer, the weeks extended far into the future, and the last day of summer wasn’t even a blip on our radar. 

Become more in-tune with the natural child part of yourself.  That little person is still alive inside all of us.  Some of us are better able to access him/her than others, but this part does exist, whether it is hidden at the core of you, partially visible, or present on a daily basis  

Let your mind float back to an earlier time, see yourself in your mind’s eye at a particular age- go back gradually-see yourself at age 12, 10, 8, 6, etc. as far back as you can.  Take a look at some photos of your younger self.  As you float back, remember the things that were special to you- a toy, article of clothing, artistic creation, book, etc.  Consider why it was special and how you took care of it.  Apply the same care and positive energy to all of your adult needs - physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual - by doing the following:

·         Be attentive/ Focus your energy

·         Be gentle and use care

·         Protect from harm

·         Mend what needs fixing

·         Replace lost parts with something new & different

·         Share with those you trust                                                        

·         Allow for some ‘wear & tear’

One of the most important elements to be conscious of is our natural child’s ability to be fully present- letting go of distractions, past regrets, and future worries.  When you are able to hold an image of that little person, at whatever age, in your mind’s eye, it may help to engage in a breathing exercise. 

The following steps describe, what is called in yoga, the three-part breath:

1.      This deep breathing technique can be done either sitting or lying flat.

2.      Close your eyes and place one palm on the area just below your belly button, and one the palm of the other hand on the center of your chest.

3.      Breathe in through your nose with your mouth closed.

4.      As you breathe in, extend your stomach, feeling the expansion with your palm.  

5.      Pause for half a second, then take another breath through your nose, feeling your your rib cage and diaphragm expand.  

6.      Pause your breath and inhale again, this time from your upper chest. You may feel some movement in your shoulders.

7.      Exhale as if you are blowing through a straw, nice and slow, and be aware of the sound of your breath.

May we all find the time and motivation to honor that little child inside of us and experience feelings of calm, creativity, and passion for living.