I just want to preface this quick blog with a Thank You. Thank you for your strength through your struggles. I see you, I hear you, I am you.
This is for when the world feels too big and there’s just simply too much happening at once. Your view is too big and you might consider shrinking it down; reduce it from a panoramic view to a macro. From google earth down to a street, then down to a house, even further down. Clear down to you. Then get deeper. Down deep into your lungs. One breath in. One breath out. Everything else is an illusion of control.
When life is tough, we go where we know. Literally your brain follows the neural pathway associated with the feeling, your nervous system goes where it went as it was developed in childhood. This is why it is so hard to change patterns and shift unhelpful habits. So what can we do?
*My first suggestion is to turn inward when the outside is too much. Are you aware of your own patterns? Are you aware you are stress eating, your shoulders are so tense, or you’re irritated with everyone?
* If you know your patterns, then let’s tune in to tune out. This might be taking space from distractions. Sitting outside for a few minutes, science says about 10 minutes in nature to reset your system, but even a few minutes are beneficial. Increase your mindfulness around your space if outside is not an option. What are you sitting on? What is the texture, is it hard or soft? What colors are soothing that are around you?
*Really listen to your inner chatter. If that negative voice is loud, give it some attention. You can’t outrun it so really listen. What age does it feel? What is it trying to protect your from? What does it need to feel more secure?
*Journaling, art, exercise, mindfulness or meditation can all be helpful to process what is coming up. I like to use a ‘brain dump’. Get it all out, even if it’s scribbles on a paper. Use compassionate accountability to support yourself. Look for small moments of awe [see photo below]. And most of all breathe.
Sometimes really awful things happen. There isn’t a good reason, they just do. In those moments, breathe. That’s it. Turn into your breath, one inhale, one exhale at a time. That’s what you have control of and nothing else. The outside world is tough, take it moment by moment. The pain will ease but you have to feel it to breathe through it to move through it. That’s how you love yourself through the hard stuff. It hurts and pain is a signal too. We can do hard things. But first, turn inwards and breathe. From my heart to yours, sending love, light, and a big exhale.
And if that doesn’t make you say awe, maybe a puppy picture will?
Meet Pippa. Therapy dog extraordinaire when she grows up.