Calm
Last summer, before I went into the grocery store, something happened that made me literally lose my mind! I can’t remember the details of what it was, but something made me so upset that I just couldn’t pull myself together. It was very interesting for me to watch, and it made me very grateful for my years of yoga practice. In spite of my ability to watch what was happening, I just could NOT return to my usual state of awareness. What I then observed in this state of fight or flight activation was that I couldn’t make good choices when shopping. Simple things. I couldn’t figure out which produce to buy, I couldn’t figure out what to have for dinner, etc. I went through the store in this state and was amazed at how poor my decision making was.
I tell you this story because right now it seems that many many people are in this state of sympathetic activation. In fact, I was going to title this blog “remain calm,” but it seems that that might not be an appropriate exhortation for many. Anyway, this part of the nervous system was designed to help us run away from the saber toothed tiger. We don’t really have the equivalent in our society now, but our bodies still react in this panicked way. When we are in this state, all we want to do is run from the danger. Our decision making becomes foggy. Our body releases chemicals that can lead to impaired memory and disease. Notice the wording in my first sentence. I felt like I was losing my mind!
So, what to do if you find yourself in some kind of externally generated frenzy that is not caused by imminent danger (by this I mean the lion, the roof collapsing on top of you, etc). The first thing is to notice this and then then next thing is to take control. In my most recent newsletter, I give you a few tips on how to reverse this state. In addition, I suggest taking stock of your situation. What is your TRUTH, unaffected by external circumstance. In this moment, how are you feeling? Change your story. Focus on the positive. Remind yourself that you are safe. Call a friend. Walk away. TURN OFF THE MEDIA, particularly if you have your watch or your phone set up to give you alerts. (My lord, the pinging all day no matter what the story would be enough to cause anyone to go mad.)
And, forgive yourself when you forget. Just take THIS moment and start again. Of course, I am always happy to help - give me a call if you need me!
Copyright 2020 Nancy C Murray
Nancy C Murray is a yoga teacher, yoga therapist, Reiki master and spiritual leader. She leads public and private yoga classes and healing sessions, transformational courses, and also retreats and spiritual journeys.
