“To dig deep into the actual and get something out of that—this doubtless is the right way to live.” —Henry James

We all say we want peace, love, and happiness in the world, yet how much of the time do we put out just the opposite? When the stress builds up in your office, or with your children or on your commute, do you always respond with love? Probably not. I know I don’t always.

When you feel pressure building up in your life, try this simple exercise:

Take a deep breath and slowly exhale.

Notice where your attention is placed. At times like this it is probably at the front of your forehead. Notice how it feels. You may find that a great deal of the pressure you are feeling is coming from within yourself. As you push to make that deadline, beat the traffic light, get the kids to clean up their rooms, you focus on the goal in the future. Your body may feel tensed like a missile locked on its target. No wonder an explosion sometimes occurs.

Pull your attention back from the front of your forehead, and let it drop to the center of your belly. Feel your feet on the ground. Repeat your mantra or centering prayer, and re-align your spirit with the flow of the universe.