Taking Care of You #2
How do you get back to here?
Almost always, our stressors live in the past and the future. Granted, this very day may have difficulty, but over the course of your life, the specific moments of active, present-moment stress are few. And even in many of those stressful moments, the following ideas can help you navigate through them.
So, how do you get back to here? Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has become quite prominent in recent years. The methods and tactics are many. You probably already exercise these skills, even if you’re never heard of this term.
When you pull away from past regret and release the anxiety of what might happen, you rest into the present moment. You might…
Breathe slowly
Count to 10 (as many times as needed)
Sit on the back porch
Take a walk
Pray
Meditate
Listen to soothing music
Do yoga or exercise
Click on an app to guide you
Or do the thing that helps you regain calm.
You return to a mindful moment. In this precise moment, you are okay. You can breathe; your heart rate slows; your thoughts emerge from the fog.
Think about a likely stressor or anxiety provoking situation. How do you normally respond? How might you respond differently? Is there a mechanism that you can use to shift your thoughts to guide you through it?
Whether in the midst of trying circumstances or after the fact, I encourage you to find your way to engage in mindful moments.
Worth Repeating
Mindfulness isn’t difficult; we just need to remember to do it.
-Sharon Salzberg
