Hello Dear Empowered Wayer:
Recently I read a statement that stopped me in my tracks. I can't remember where it came from, but the message behind the words was powerful.
Your mind is a time traveler - it's always ruminating about the past or projecting into the future. Your body lives in the present moment.
Wow - it's so true! Think about how often your mind takes you into the past, to examine every detail of an upsetting event. Or when you project your fears into the future ("OMG - how are we going to pay that veterinary bill?").
It can be a wild ride, almost as if you were on the back of a bucking bronco, holding on for dear life.
Read the last sentence of that quote again. About your body being in the present. Don't you find that to be true too? When you listen to your body (and not your mind), you will discover that it knows when it needs food, water, or rest. Your body knows when you need exercise, movement, or stillness.
That because your body is living in the present moment, while your mind is busy creating.
The problem occurs when your mind is fearful, it triggers your autonomic nervous system's fight or flight reaction. Adrenaline, cortisol, and a lot of other stress hormones cascade through your bloodstream, preparing your body to fight or flee the threat.
But there is no physical threat -- it's all in your mind. And your body doesn't know the difference.
Your Breath is Your ✨Magic✨ Wand
When you feel your body tensing up, your breath getting shallower, and your belly contracting, recognize that your body's flight or fight response has been triggered. To stop the pattern, do the following:
1. Step away from the trigger.
2. Breathe in to the count of 4.
3. Hold your breath for 4 counts.
4. Exhale to the count of 4.
5. Breathe in to the count of 4.
Repeat the sequence as long as it takes for your body to step out of flight or fight, and back into calm. This sequence is sometimes called "box breathing," because the 4 counts can equal the side of a box.
Try this technique the next time you are stressed. It calms your body and you can reassess the threat, and move your mind away from fear and back into the present moment.
The good news is that you have your breath (your magic wand) with you. You will never forget it or leave it at home. Use it to redirect your mind and body back to peaceful calm and serenity.
That’s why it’s called Empowered Way :-)
Love & light,
Kathryn