Anxiety, stress, irritability and bad mood, the remedy is in nature, in flowers in particular. In fact, flowers are not only pleasant to admire, but they can also be precious allies in restoring calm and serenity. A recent scientific research has shown, indeed, that observing and imagining, even for just three minutes, yellow and red flowers, but not white, allows you to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is the part of the central nervous system that promotes relaxation (Xie et al, Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021). At the end of the three minutes of observing and imagining the flowers, the volunteers were more relaxed, calm and serene, as the meditation technique had also brought them a good mood, counteracting anxiety, stress and nervousness. The meditation that we will practice together today is based precisely on the results obtained from this very important scientific research. Together, we will observe and visualize yellow and red flowers to restore calm and relaxation where there were worries and sadness before. Meditation is short and can also be practiced every day, at any time of the day, by observing a flower in front of us or by recalling an image of it.
Anxiety, stress and irritability, what to do
The historical period we live in has increased feelings of anxiety and stress in people, has nourished nervousness, thoughts and worries. As a consequence, we can experience sleep problems, such as insomnia, difficulty falling asleep and waking up at night, a deterioration in the quality of life, physical symptoms such as headaches or digestive problems, but also our immune system can be weakened. So what to do to banish anxiety, stress, worries and irritability? There are powerful meditation techniques that can help, taking our thoughts away from the problem or concern, making us immerse ourselves in the here and now and bringing our talents and resources to the surface to cope with any event of life. The meditation of flowers that we are going to practice today is one of these techniques and its validity has been proven. So, let's see how to practice this meditation.
Meditation of flowers against anxiety, stress and bad mood, how to start
Sit in a comfortable position. Make as many small adjustments as you need to feel no pain or tension. Open your shoulders, close your eyes and rest your hands on your knees. Breathe, choose to dedicate this moment to yourself. Thoughts and worries may overlap in your mind, you can observe them, without judging, and let them go without holding them back.
Meditation of flowers against anxiety, stress and bad mood, observe and imagine
If you can see yellow or red flowers in front of you, take a few minutes to observe them. Three minutes are enough to obtain the benefits of meditation. Glide your gaze over the petals, observe how they vibrate in the wind, look for shades of colour. Otherwise or in addition, you can visualize the flowers in your mind. With your eyes closed, visualize the flowers, yellow or red, in front of you. You can see, in your mind's eye, how the flowers are swaying calmly in the light breeze. The petals move elegantly and envelop you with their color, full of life.
Meditation of flowers against anxiety, stress and bad mood, conclusions
Slowly rub your palms together. Bring your pleasantly warm hands to cup your eyes. You can feel tension relaxing, and your eyes feel protected. Slowly, put your hands back on your knees, breathe, you can feel the pleasant feeling left by meditation. And now you know that you can recall this feeling at any moment, by observing or imagining a flower, because this feeling is within you.
