Through Restlessness, into Calm

Over the weekend, I was in the bath, and around 10 minutes in, I started to get super antsy. I couldn't settle down, and I wanted to get out. But I had the wherewithal to recognize that something was being triggered in my body as I started to relax, and I needed to breathe through it. 
 
Within the next five minutes, I suddenly went over that hurdle and was able to settle into incredible calm and peace.
 
It reminded me of how many times in our lives that just before we're about to have the breakthrough, the physical discomfort, distraction, and antsiness comes up to pull us away so that we're not able to get over that hump.
 
But if we just stick with it and ground and breathe and stay present to what's happening, rather than trying to escape, we can turn the corner. We can change the paradigm. 
 
Not always easy, believe me, I was jumping out of my skin at first, but I was grateful for the wise part of me that knew to stay with what is, versus running away from it.
 
This week, catch yourself if you find you’re distracting yourself or you’re super amped up to get out of your body, and instead, signal safety to your nervous system by putting your hand on your heart, focusing on your breathing, and feeling the earth below your feet. Go outside and breathe fresh air. Hug a tree. Walk barefoot in the grass. If you can’t get outside or you need more physical release- shake or hug your body or even jump around or dance it out. Allow the feeling to move through you, rather than trying to suppress or escape it.

Because the only way to release what’s activated is to allow it flow like a wave, instead of stopping it up with a dam. Because when a dam gets too full, it breaks. Take care of your feelings as they arise to ultimately create being more settled and peaceful in your body, and in your reality.

​