Create White Space & Thrive in the Current Economy

How can looking after yourself improve business? By nourishing the roots, we create the foundation for abundance, in our personal and business lives. Here are three simple steps to help yourself and your business thrive, even in today's economic climate.

Written Mar 08, 2009, read 1580 times since then.

Everywhere I turn I hear about the failing economy, about how we need to work harder and put forth more effort.

Well, I’m not buying into all the negative talk. Using some tricks I have learned from yoga I am watching my business grow with minimal effort – and you can too.

In order to succeed in your business, it is not necessary to work harder but to work smarter; to narrow your focus and leave yourself space to just be. You will finish your work in less time, with reduced stress and greater results. To enjoy life while we run our own businesses, it is essential to maintain (or create) balance. I guarantee the following steps (that you can do at your desk!!) will add balance to your life, reduce stress and bring a strong sense of calm to all that you do. (More on white space in future articles.)

Step 1: BREATHE

Something we do every minute of every day can actually change our lives. Most of us pay little or no attention to the breath and yet just 5 minutes a day is enough to notice a difference. Here is a simple technique to improve your health, ease your mind and bring balance into your life.

Sit in a firm chair, feet on the floor, lengthen your spine to become tall; shoulders move back and the head lifts out of the neck. Close your eyes and notice your breath.
When you are ready, allow the belly to fill as you inhale, as you exhale relax the body and feel the breath travel down through the torso. At the end of the exhale, gently squeeze the lower belly to the spine. Practice this belly-breathing for 3-5 minutes.
Using a slow count of four, inhale fully. Take a brief pause, exhale fully to the same slow count of four. Brief pause. Repeat for 3-5 minutes or for as long as you want. As you practice, you may need to increase the count.
When finished, first stop the counting, notice how your breath feels, and slowly open your eyes.

Step 2: YOGA

Yoga works! Not the poses that remind you of pretzels, rather the poses that allow you to heal your body in a gentle, non-aggressive way. Yoga is for men and women of all ages, all sizes and all backgrounds.

Low back release: Sit in a firm chair, feet on the floor, inhale and lengthen your spine so you become tall, with your chest and belly button reaching forward. As you exhale, round through the back, drawing the navel to the spine. Repeat for 1 minute or longer.
Hip opener: Keep the right foot flat on the floor; place the left ankle on the right thigh. Grow tall through the spine and gently lean forward. The left hand (or elbow) can rest gently on the left knee. Do NOT round the back. Hold for 1 minute or longer. Repeat on other side.
Gentle twist: Sit in a firm chair, feet on the floor, inhale and lengthen the spine to become tall, exhale and twist the torso to the left. If you like, hook your left arm over the back of the chair. Hold for 1 minute or longer. Repeat on other side.

Step 3: MEDITATION

Meditation comes in many shapes and sizes and is a wonderful way to tame the “monkey mind”. It is most effective to learn meditation with a particular point of focus. In my experience, it is best to choose one method and stick with it for a while. Commit at least 10 minutes to your meditation daily; you are likely to notice subtle changes in the first week.

One of the most common forms of meditation involves using a mantra (a repetitive phrase) to focus the mind. It is best to choose a mantra that resonates with you, reflecting your life’s purpose or your spiritual practice. Choose a 3-5 syllable phrase or two the same length. Some examples: “God is great (phrase 1) God is good (phrase 2)”; “I live in peace”; “Maranatha”; “Om Namah Shivaya”.
Sit in a firm chair, feet on the floor, lengthen your spine to become tall; shoulders move back and the head lifts out of the neck. With the inhale repeat phrase 1 to yourself, on the exhale remain silent or use phrase 2. (See above)
The mantra is your point of focus; it works as a leash for the monkey mind. Your mind (thoughts) will wander; when you notice, gently come back to the mantra.

These three simple practices will change your life and your business; discovering the white space will allow you to move gracefully towards your goals and dreams. Commit to one or all of the above practices for 14 days and observe the changes; you will not only survive, you will thrive! Namaste.

Learn more about the author, Lesley Hobbs.

Posted by Elizabeth Rightor MA MEd, Seattle, Washington | Mar 09, 2009

Lesley,

Thank you so much for this article. I love finding short but powerful tips such as these. Your tips about breath, yoga, and meditation would fit into even the most hectic schedule. I especially like the idea of clearing space for new and good things to come into your life.

Thanks again for the reminder to just stop and take a deep breath.

Elizabeth
Posted by Lesley Hobbs, Redmond, Washington | Mar 09, 2009

Thanks Elizabeth,

It is important to find tools that enhance your life rather than add to your to-do list. I am glad you found the article helpful.

Lesley
Posted by Paula Russell, Issaquah, Washington | Mar 10, 2009

Great suggestion for finding the calm in the center of the storm. Taking even a few minutes to breathe and get centered makes me so much more productive, happier, and enables me to maintain a sense of calm purpose. Thanks for the timely reminder, Lesley.
Posted by Darla Atwood, Kenmore, Washington | Mar 10, 2009

Lesley,

This is a well written article. I appreciate the extra time it takes to create a thoughtful presentation. Not only do these three simple practices help us create white space in our day, but you have shown us how white space on the page creates ease as well.

It's clear you practice what you teach. Namaste

Darla
Posted by Kate Phillips, Seattle, Washington | Mar 10, 2009

Thanks Lesley! LOVE the yoga-without-pretzel suggestions. I'll bet if I would have been practicing these steps at my computer yesterday it would have saved me a backache! I will bookmark this for reminders of simple things I can do (even while working at my computer.)

Say more about "white space" - you don't really define it. Is it like a "white paper"? ;-) I'm still figuring that one out.
Posted by Kate Phillips, Seattle, Washington | Mar 10, 2009

Oh good, I'm glad to see you posted this to the Wealthy, Worthy, and Wise Women group! I was just thinking it could be a good fit.
Posted by Lesley Hobbs, Redmond, Washington | Mar 10, 2009

Paula, Thanks for sharing your own positive experiences of breathing - I never knew what I was missing till I learned how to breathe!!

Darla, You are so observant - I always find big chunks of type overpowering and try to consciously create space when I write. Thanks for noticing.

Kate, Sorry to hear abot your backache - I hope these simple moves will relieve that. There is definitely much more to say on "white space" - which I plan to do in other articles. For now, let me describe it as swimming in the silence within...
Posted by Carlanne McCrystal, Seattle, Washington | Mar 10, 2009

Good exercises for those of us "stuck" to our chairs in front of a computer monitor. A good mantra for me right now relates to feeling warm. And one of the reasons I have not visited a yoga class is not wanting to be twisted into a human pretzel. Thank you for writing this article. I look forward to more.
Posted by Lesley Hobbs, Redmond, Washington | Mar 10, 2009

Hi Carlanne, Thanks for reading the article. It's important to stay warm - it helps the body stay relaxed and allows you to better reduce stress. There are great yoga teachers who would not turn you into a pretzel but it may take some searching. If you want to send me a message off this board and tell me where you live, I may be able to make a recommendation.
Posted by Peggy Watt, Redmond, Washington | Mar 10, 2009

Lesley: Thank you for your timely article. In these days of so much negative information coming our way is easy to let emotions spiral. The breathing helps me so much during those stressful days and I live more comfortably now that I have yoga in my life - thanks to you. I am guessing that the white space is a place without all the daily noise - something that we get from meditation. Great info....I will pass this on to others.
Posted by Lesley Hobbs, Redmond, Washington | Mar 10, 2009

Peggy, Thanks for checking out the article. Great guess about white space - no noise (either real or imagined). It took me a long time to love the silence but it definitely helps.
Posted by Zita Gustin, Bellevue, Washington | Mar 11, 2009

Hi Lesley,

This is a very timely article and I love that your tips are so easy to implement. I'm sure that there are many Biznikers out there that will gladly print this out and post it near their computers as a daily reminder of how to put some "pause" in their day for rejuvination and for peacefulness.

Thank you for a glimpse into the possibility of "white space" and an easy to follow guide on how to get there!

The ABC's of Networking ... Always Be Connecting!
Posted by Lesley Hobbs, Redmond, Washington | Mar 11, 2009

Thanks Zita, and a great idea to print out the article - that approach often works for me.
Posted by Anna Choi, Kirkland, Washington | Mar 11, 2009

Lesley, Thanks for your thoughts--its always essential to get back to the basics (like breathing) to enjoy our days amidst negative news and psychology. Kudos!
Posted by Kathy Miller, Seattle, Washington | Mar 12, 2009

Lesley, I love your introduction and especially when you say "By nourishing our roots, we create the foundation for abundance", these are very empowering words! I find that when I feel overwhelmed and loose my focus I ten to go in circles, these suggestions are very doable ways to bring me back to my focus and remind me of what my priorities (and dreams) are. I'm going to start these practices today! Many thanks, Kathy
Posted by Lesley Hobbs, Redmond, Washington | Mar 12, 2009

Anna, Kathy, So glad this article has relevance for you both; it is easy to get caught up in the maelstrom of daily life and forget to look after ourselves. Thanks for taking the time to read this. Lesley
Posted by DeLynn Todaro, Kirkland, Washington | Mar 12, 2009

Lesley,

You give such wonderful advice and so practical.

Wonderful article.

DeLynn
Posted by Michele Catoire, Bellevue, Washington | Mar 17, 2009

Lesley, I love this article and I love how you have gently and easily brought the art of yoga into my life. This is a wonderful piece that brings such calm to me in my work place and fun too, that I am participating in yoga. I have been practicing my breathing since you posted this and it has made a wonderful difference. Thank you for sharing. Michele
Posted by Lesley Hobbs, Redmond, Washington | Mar 17, 2009

Michele, I am so glad you have found the article to be of use; I know breathing changed my life and it sounds like you are enjoying some changes too. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment, I appreciate it. Lesley
Posted by Sue Holm, JD, CFRC, Kenmore, Washington | Mar 19, 2009

Lesley --

Thanks for such useful, timely and practical advise. Breathing -- what a concept. Stretching at my desk, while my body still remembers how to move. Ahhh. I feel better already. Thanks again.

I look forward to more information about 'white space'.
Posted by Kare Anderson, Sausalito, California | Mar 19, 2009

Leslie Just the right amount of clear language, number of tips and detail to help us create a micro-oasis several times a day. And what a great demonstration of your mastery of the subject and passion for it. i rate it tops
Posted by Maulitta Brown, Bothell, Washington | Mar 19, 2009

Lesley, First of all, wonderful to see you here! I had to read your article as soon as I saw it was you! Second of all, well done and well said. I would currently consider myself a student of less is more and adding more white space into my life. I know I need to breathe and just BE more.
Thank you for this! I think I will print out and keep handy! Maulitta Brown
Posted by Lesley Hobbs, Redmond, Washington | Mar 20, 2009

Sue, Kare & Maulitta, Thank you all for your kind words; I am so glad the article was of some use to each of you. Kare, I love the notion of a micro-oasis, something we all can benefit from, and a great visual.
Posted by Mary Beth Ingersoll, Seattle, Washington | Mar 20, 2009

Lesley - Your question & answer.... "How can looking after yourself improve business? By nourishing the roots, we create the foundation for abundance, in our personal and business lives"

Fantastic reminder to "ground" ourselves. I love the image of "white space" and the beauty in it. Looking forward to hearing more about the white space!

Thanks for taking the time to post this well written article. Something we can ALL benefit from immediately.

Mary Beth, AniMahre staging & home design www.animahre.com
Posted by Cindy Ross, Kent, Washington | Mar 20, 2009

Thanks so much for this article. As a scuba instructor (teaching a luxury sport...) there are times when I have to just "live on beach time" and not let everything get to me.

The principles of yoga are so paramount to living a whole life...and sometimes the state of just "being" can change the entire flow of the day.

What a great reminder for us to take time to just BE, in our new world of "hurry, hurry, hurry...turn and look...has anything happened yet?"
Posted by Margit Crane, Seattle, Washington | Jun 15, 2009

Yoga and the economy - EXCELLENT! Thanks for the tips, Lesley. So easy to implement and so positive. I will recommend these to clients!