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Stress Management Newsletter
By Debra Myers (Stress Management Consultant)
DebraMyers@unwrappingstress.com
When I drive to the office, I have the privilege of enjoying the beautiful scenery and nature’s many creatures. It gives me time to clear my mind and to reflect upon gratitude. Amazingly, whenever I am immersed in a state of thankfulness, turkeys appear on the scene by either strutting in front of my car, feeding in a flock, or sunning themselves in the parking lot.
I'm delighted to see them, as they are a symbol of abundance to me and to northern Native American tribes, from what I've read. One particular day as I was meditating on gratitude and walking to my car to go to the office, a wild turkey emerged from the hillside. Usually when they spot a human, they go in a different direction. This time, it headed towards me, more curious than afraid. Remaining in my heart center, I was in awe and grateful for this “close encounter” with nature. The reason for relating this story to you is the realization I had in that moment: “I am allowed to feel internally good and grateful, despite the violence and suffering in the world.”
It may seem impossible, naive, and most of all hardhearted to aspire to feel anything other than depressed, especially when hearing the news about human tragedies, turmoil, and the devastation of the land. If you have experienced extremes in your life like living in the midst of family squabbles, dramas, trauma, or sudden changes or loss, then the current happenings in the news and weather may strike a very despondent cord within you. Accustomed to being on alert because of previous conditioning, you carry around a feeling of unsettledness. Unable to give yourself permission to seek calmness, instead you find your thoughts easily lured towards negativity or worst-case scenarios. Staying in this survival mentality, you deny yourself the relief of shifting into a better mindset. Continuing to remain unaware and unbeknownst of their impact, these feelings will detrimentally influence your interactions and decision-making.
Your well-being is dependent upon having an emotional state that works optimally in motivating you to protect yourself when in danger, and then after the threat has passed, to go back to feeling safe and calm. The habit of frequently plugging in to adversity (whether it is personal or pertains to news or entertainment) undermines your mood and compromises your health. As a helping professional, I have learned the importance of resetting the mental and physical state (through the use of Stress Management techniques) for improved performance and resiliency. I thank my feathered friends for their impeccable timing, appearing the moment I practiced shifting my mindset. As a tribute, I would like to share the following, entitled:
It may seem impossible, naive, and most of all hardhearted to aspire to feel anything other than depressed, especially when hearing the news about human tragedies, turmoil, and the devastation of the land. If you have experienced extremes in your life like living in the midst of family squabbles, dramas, trauma, or sudden changes or loss, then the current happenings in the news and weather may strike a very despondent cord within you. Accustomed to being on alert because of previous conditioning, you carry around a feeling of unsettledness. Unable to give yourself permission to seek calmness, instead you find your thoughts easily lured towards negativity or worst-case scenarios. Staying in this survival mentality, you deny yourself the relief of shifting into a better mindset. Continuing to remain unaware and unbeknownst of their impact, these feelings will detrimentally influence your interactions and decision-making.
Your well-being is dependent upon having an emotional state that works optimally in motivating you to protect yourself when in danger, and then after the threat has passed, to go back to feeling safe and calm. The habit of frequently plugging in to adversity (whether it is personal or pertains to news or entertainment) undermines your mood and compromises your health. As a helping professional, I have learned the importance of resetting the mental and physical state (through the use of Stress Management techniques) for improved performance and resiliency. I thank my feathered friends for their impeccable timing, appearing the moment I practiced shifting my mindset. As a tribute, I would like to share the following, entitled:
A “Flight Plan” for Feeling Better
Become aware if there is a negative perception contributing to your mood/thoughts.
If an airplane during the flight is experiencing a lot of turbulence, the pilots will climb to a higher altitude for a smoother ride. Similarly, you don’t have to endure inner turbulence as your natural state. Take a break, do some breathing exercises, go for a walk, etc., it creates space from your circumstances to lift you up to a better mood.
When changing old habits/patterns, taking small steps is best.
A non-stop flight may seem like a logical choice; however, taking small flights until you reach your destination is easier on your budget. Small steps towards shifting to a better state of mind, vs. focusing on potential pitfalls. is a less intimidating and more manageable practice.
Obstacles don't prevent you from achieving your goals, but perceptions can.
Unfortunately, it happens all too often when flying that airplanes can be delayed, have a mechanical problem, or be rerouted. Even though these are unwelcome circumstances in your travel plans, if you keep forging ahead, you will eventually arrive at your destination.
You decide if an obstacles means “no” or “still go!”
You decide if an obstacles means “no” or “still go!”
Are you open
to learning how to feel calmer
&
to let go of stress habits?
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The reward to unwrapping stress
underneath the layers of stress, is the gift of our reset of peace available and accessible in the present moment. |