The most important exercise you can learn

It's not hard to do, and you can do this one anywhere, any time. It will help you physically and psychologically. It can even help others near you, because just by watching you do it, they can feel calmer, more relaxed and more open minded. This exercise can be done by anyone who is awake, regardless of health, mental state or wellbeing. And it's going to make whatever comes next so much easier. It's an ancient technique, nearly every culture has a version of it, and ours has several sayings that will help you remember to do it.

It goes by many names, and comes in several styles. What am I talking about? Deep breathing. Counting to ten. Deep relaxation. Body check. Taking a moment. Cleansing breath.

The basics are easy: try to get into a comfortable position, close your eyes, and slowly inhale from your belly to the tops of your lungs, then slowly breathe out. Even one will help you. As your eyes are closed notice how your body feels. Any pains, stresses, tension?

Breathe in again, and as you breathe out, imagine that tension or pain rushing out with your exhalation. When you inhale again, try to fill your lungs completly, then pause briefly before you slowly exhale. Just as you notice your body state, you notice your feelings and thoughts. Don't try not to think, don't try to pursue your thoughts or feelings, just acknowledge them, and let them drift out as you exhale again. You can do a few cycles at this stage, relaxing each part of your body as you inhale, then exhale any tension, pain, discomfort.

Inhale again, and think of something you've done that you are proud of, or a moment that made you happy. Hold that feeling as you breathe out slowly. he longer you continue to relax, the more you can do with this exercise, but the important thing is to give it a try, every day, and especially when you feel stressed or nervous, or physically in pain.

Love exercises

Exercise 1. the look of love

This is a simple exercise you can do with anyone to help build intimacy. Sitting together, gaze into each other's eyes for about five minutes. Don't talk or try to make the other person react. Just sit quietly, keeping eye contact, and let your mind go where it will. What are your feelings toward the other person...do you think about something they have done that you like or are proud of...just gaze at them. Notice the emotion in their eyes, the set of their face. Try to keep eye contact the whole time. It only takes a few minutes, but when your time is up, talk together about what you felt and thought about when you were looking at each other. It's ok to just give each other a hug. It also helps to write down your experiences in your journals.

The purpose of this exercise is to help you to really see each other, of course, but it also puts aside all the worries and work of the day and allows you to interact without words getting in the way. Studies have shown that this kind of contact increases feelings of intimacy and caring. By allowing yourselves to see each other without defenses helps to share your vulnerability with each other, which increases trust.

Even if you only do this once a week, it's worth the effort to feel this connected.