During stressful times, it is helpful to remember to open our toolboxes. Inside we may find some ways to help make things better:
1. Fingerholds to manage emotions: This is a tool to restore the flow of energy necessary to transform and balance our feelings when they become unmanageable. When that energy gets stuck or constricted it can feel overwhelming. This technique can provide immediate relief. To use these finger holds to restore emotional balance, refer to the photo below and gently and firmly hold the finger associated with the strong emotion you are feeling in the opposite hand for a few moments as you breath slowly and deeply. I like to visualize the finger hold completing an energy circle that brings back a sense of harmony and flow to the body. It doesn't matter which hand you use and it might be helpful to simply recognize and acknowledge the strong or disturbing emotions you are holding in order to let them transform. You may feel a steady, rhythmic pulse and a sense of movement. Perhaps think about inhaling what you need and exhaling what no longer serves you. Allow yourself to relax a little more with each breath, and feel the movement of energy.
2. In the words of Ram Dass, remember to “Be here now”. Fear only exists in anticipation of the future, in thinking about what might happen. Keeping our thoughts focused in the present allows a greater sense of ease. We of course need to plan and prepare for the future, but not live there in our heads. Our minds often being like wild horses, it is sometimes necessary to stop our runaway thinking and actively redirect our attention to the moment.
3. Cultivate that attitude of gratitude. Focus on what is good right now, and keep it simple and basic. After two surgeries on my lower extremities, I am grateful every day that I can walk. During my walks I focus on the beauty of the sky, the breeze, the majesty of the Indian River, the flower at the side of the road, the dragonflies of spring. Remember that everything is impermanent (“This too shall pass…”), so appreciating what we have today creates a habit of gratitude that can outlast most things. Writing your gratitudes or establishing a specific time of day to review them helps grow the habit.
4. Make time for hygge, a Swedish word for coziness and comfort. An important part of staying healthy is providing self-comfort, relaxation, and enjoyment. Whether it is curling up with a good book, watching a favorite movie, massaging your hands or feet, meditation, prayer, a cup of tea or hot chocolate, or whatever allows you a sense of well being, include some hygge in your day. Remember to breathe fully and deeply; our breath mirrors our emotional state, and connects conscious and subconscious. Slow deep breathing relieves anxiety and invites calm relaxation. Laughter provides psychological and physiological benefits, so maybe choose a comedy to watch, or phone someone who makes you laugh.
5. Exercise! Some of your usual forms of exercise may not be available at present so be creative. There is a plethora of videos online to help you create or maintain a practice of yoga, address specific physical issues, develop an aerobic workout, use dance routines to strengthen your body and mind, do Pilates, Cardio Fitness, breathing exercises, Laughter Yoga …… If you have ever thought about starting an at home exercise practice, now is a great time. Explore and create a wellness routine that keeps you healthy, fit and strong.
6. Be kind. To yourself. To others. Express appreciation. Stay connected while being socially responsible. Use your phone, smile and wave, give air hugs across a safe distance, send loving energy, and be open to receiving any positive influence sent to you.
"May you have a strong foundation when the winds of changes shift”.
Bob Dylan
1. Fingerholds to manage emotions: This is a tool to restore the flow of energy necessary to transform and balance our feelings when they become unmanageable. When that energy gets stuck or constricted it can feel overwhelming. This technique can provide immediate relief. To use these finger holds to restore emotional balance, refer to the photo below and gently and firmly hold the finger associated with the strong emotion you are feeling in the opposite hand for a few moments as you breath slowly and deeply. I like to visualize the finger hold completing an energy circle that brings back a sense of harmony and flow to the body. It doesn't matter which hand you use and it might be helpful to simply recognize and acknowledge the strong or disturbing emotions you are holding in order to let them transform. You may feel a steady, rhythmic pulse and a sense of movement. Perhaps think about inhaling what you need and exhaling what no longer serves you. Allow yourself to relax a little more with each breath, and feel the movement of energy.
2. In the words of Ram Dass, remember to “Be here now”. Fear only exists in anticipation of the future, in thinking about what might happen. Keeping our thoughts focused in the present allows a greater sense of ease. We of course need to plan and prepare for the future, but not live there in our heads. Our minds often being like wild horses, it is sometimes necessary to stop our runaway thinking and actively redirect our attention to the moment.
3. Cultivate that attitude of gratitude. Focus on what is good right now, and keep it simple and basic. After two surgeries on my lower extremities, I am grateful every day that I can walk. During my walks I focus on the beauty of the sky, the breeze, the majesty of the Indian River, the flower at the side of the road, the dragonflies of spring. Remember that everything is impermanent (“This too shall pass…”), so appreciating what we have today creates a habit of gratitude that can outlast most things. Writing your gratitudes or establishing a specific time of day to review them helps grow the habit.
4. Make time for hygge, a Swedish word for coziness and comfort. An important part of staying healthy is providing self-comfort, relaxation, and enjoyment. Whether it is curling up with a good book, watching a favorite movie, massaging your hands or feet, meditation, prayer, a cup of tea or hot chocolate, or whatever allows you a sense of well being, include some hygge in your day. Remember to breathe fully and deeply; our breath mirrors our emotional state, and connects conscious and subconscious. Slow deep breathing relieves anxiety and invites calm relaxation. Laughter provides psychological and physiological benefits, so maybe choose a comedy to watch, or phone someone who makes you laugh.
5. Exercise! Some of your usual forms of exercise may not be available at present so be creative. There is a plethora of videos online to help you create or maintain a practice of yoga, address specific physical issues, develop an aerobic workout, use dance routines to strengthen your body and mind, do Pilates, Cardio Fitness, breathing exercises, Laughter Yoga …… If you have ever thought about starting an at home exercise practice, now is a great time. Explore and create a wellness routine that keeps you healthy, fit and strong.
6. Be kind. To yourself. To others. Express appreciation. Stay connected while being socially responsible. Use your phone, smile and wave, give air hugs across a safe distance, send loving energy, and be open to receiving any positive influence sent to you.
"May you have a strong foundation when the winds of changes shift”.
Bob Dylan
RSS Feed