These three tips may help:
1. Breathe. Being able to foresee new possi-
bilities can be a challenge when fears take over. Slow deliberate breaths can decrease mental chatter, soothe physical reactions and stop fearful thoughts from spiraling downward. Fears tend to keep the focus on the past and project negatives into the future. Coming back into the present will help you look at life through a wider lens of possibilities and solutions. This quick exercise will help you come back into the present; to unhook from re-visiting the past and projecting fear into the future. Count physical objects Look at something in your immediate environment. Keep your attention on that object for 3-5 seconds (without thinking about what it is!) and count the number 1 out loud. For example you might look at the wall in front of you and say, “1 ”. Then choose different objects, placing your attention for several seconds on each one saying the next numbers out loud – 2, 3, 4,….up to 20.
2. Create time for self-reflection and quiet
to gain deep clarity about what you really, really want going forward. Declutter your mind--use this free space to let go of relationships, physical clutter, and things that no longer serve you. Work on clearing subconscious beliefs and programs that create drama. Don’t believe everything you think! Your mental stories can expand or entrap you. Your spirit communicates to you through feelings. What messages might you be trying to tell yourself when you experience emotional upheaval? Periods of expansion invite you to take a 360 - degree view of your life: your passions, desires, needs, relationships, unique gifts, strengths, and spiritual calling.
3. Maintain routines and practices to
help you emotionally and mentally stabilize; to stay centered and connected to your spirit. When going through periods of emotional stress, the things that keep you at your best can fall by the wayside. Don’t block your emotions. Breathe into your feelings so you can release them and become aware of how deeply you are embedded in the story you are telling yourself. Question your self-talk. Ask yourself, “Is it true?” The presence of fear is a sure sign you are trusting in your own strength. I heard Marianne Williamson speak about this concept from, ‘A Course in Miracles’. The meaning behind her words is that when fear shows up, it is a signal that you have disconnected from your spirit, that part of you that is your source of strength, joy, and power to transform any situation into magic. Realizing this disconnection has happened, you can guide yourself back to YOU. Lastly…Lighten up. Getting caught up in drama and fears can inhibit playfulness, love, and joy, which provide the most powerful energy to create your greatest life. No matter what is happening, make space to allow your inner child room to play. Simple things in life can bring pleasure and enjoyment. Deliberately schedule things in your calendar that are fun. It’s wonderful to have things to look forward to that make you smile. The choice is yours to see life as full of problems or possibilities. Use drama as a pathway to rewrite the next juicy chapter of your life. Lorraine Cohen http://lorrainecohen.com
March ~ 2016
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