The calendar year is winding down, but Q4 can sure feel like a vortex. Time seems to accelerate. Holiday plans, end-of-year business goals, election outcomes…there is so much to distract us from the “here and now,” and potentially stress us out.

Today, we’re sharing resources and practices that are keeping us grounded, present, and able to roll with the punches.

Float Like a Butterfly…

As far as workouts go, there's nothing quite like boxing to keep me in the moment…it’s incredibly strenuous and extremely technical. I consider myself to be a pretty solid athlete, but my coach and new soul brother, Steve, is keeping me humble. It’s completely tripping me out - figuratively and literally. I’m grinding through workouts, challenged and enlivened. I’ve even recruited a couple of loyal comrades to spar with, who know how to pack a punch…

ONYX BOXING, located in South Scottsdale, is a pro operation. The vibe is spot-on, and Steve’s teaching style is the perfect blend of technical, intense and FUN.

Meditation

I’ve meditated nearly everyday for the last decade. Just like my morning coffee, a 10 to 20-minute session sets the tone for the day and is basically non-negotiable. The Transcendental Meditation Center in Los Angeles was where my journey began…you can find TM Centers worldwide and I highly recommend their approach. Headspace (ideal for beginners), Calm and Waking Up have all been great apps to use as my practice has deepened and evolved. Currently, I’m using The Way with Henry Shukman. All are linked for you below.

Breathwork: Simple Yet Profound

Practices vary in style, duration and intensity, ranging from a quick “reset” you can do anywhere, to a near-psychedelic emotional release. I practice breathwork nearly everyday, often in tandem with meditation.

We’ve even incorporated breathwork as an ATLAS pre-meeting ritual to quickly clear our minds and get grounded. The Wim Hof Method is a staple, and is particularly great for beginners. The “Iceman’s” voice is iconic…

Modern-Day Hammam

Contrast therapy is definitely trending, but I love it anyway. Compression, infrared sauna, cold plunge, red light therapy, sign me up for all of the above. If you are looking for a place to dip your toe, my favorite spot is RESET Mind & Body, with three locations in metro Phoenix and one in Colorado.

Infrared Hot Yoga

Infrared heat is the key to a more breathable and pleasant hot yoga experience at Buddha Bella in North Phoenix. This wellness center also offers immersive amenities like cold plunge, sauna and LightStim LED, and hosts community events like the Night Bazaar coming up this Sunday, October 6.

Sound Healing

If you haven’t experienced a sound bath yet, do yourself a favor and try one out here or here (if you’re in Phoenix). This is a great option for anyone struggling with meditation - it’s a guided experience that can transport you into a state of deep relaxation, with heightened awareness and/or dream-like visuals. Worst case, you’ll enjoy a lovely, restorative nap. It’s a “win” either way.

How do you stay anchored??

What are you doing to minimize and counterbalance stress, nourish your soul and stay present? Want to try something outside of your familiar routine? Come box with Steve and me, or join one of us for a simple cold plunge or hot yoga. We’re here for it. It is through practices like these that we remember the simple beauty of being alive in an able body. Let’s slow it down and savor the harvest season together. The election can wait.

Happy October!

Chris & Team ATLAS

If you’re new here, Soul Dose just debuted in August. Click below to check out the first few issues. Cheers!

Disclaimer: All information and resources featured in this issue highlight personal interests, opinions and anecdotal experiences, and are not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of any specific illness or disorder.