Live Stress Free By Being Fully Present
It’s easy, when we talk about spirituality and living a “more spiritual life” to forget about the body.
We use expressions like, “we are a spirit having a human experience.” Or, “focus on the essence not on the form.” The emphasis is always away from the corporeal body because it isn’t really who we are.
Many of us who have struggled with weight or body image issues, certainly know this to be true.
There were years when I saw my body as the enemy – it was fat and ugly. Why would I want to be in it? I wanted to dissociate from it entirely. It was definitely not me.
It’s easy, when we talk about spirituality and living a “more spiritual life” to forget about the body.
We use expressions like, “we are a spirit having a human experience.” Or, “focus on the essence not on the form.” The emphasis is always away from the corporeal body because it isn’t really who we are.
Many of us who have struggled with weight or body image issues, certainly know this to be true.
There were years when I saw my body as the enemy – it was fat and ugly. Why would I want to be in it? I wanted to dissociate from it entirely. It was definitely not me.
Even today, working with people on stress management, I address this issue. Because we quickly dissociate from our bodies the minute we feel threatened. This can be from stress, anxiety, fear or trauma.
It’s as if we leap right out of the body and hover over it somewhere where it feels safer.
I happen to believe that we are spirits having a human experience but our job here on this planet isn’t to negate the human part, the corporeal aspect, but rather to embrace it.
Which was why I was so pleased when I recently heard an affirmation of Deepak Chopra’s in which he states: “The body is the garden of the soul.”
When we find that our consciousness has left our bodies, what can we do?
1. Become Aware
Unfortunately, the world we live in just seems to get faster and faster all the time. When our minds get sucked into that vortex, of do-more-faster, it sends both our bodies and minds into stress.
See if you can begin to become aware of the triggers that launch you right out of your body. Is it a particular person? Your job load? Is it feeling like there is simply too much to do?
Often times it isn’t so much what is happening around us as it is our response to it.
How can you see and experience the chaos swirling around you at home, at work and in the world without taking it on?
Think about commuting.
That causes people lots of stress. What can you do to make that time more enjoyable? Could you listen to uplifting music? Maybe even a CD course? How could you shift that experience so that you arrive cheerful and grounded rather than anxious and disassociated?
2. Breathe
Once you begin to recognize the pattern – when you are leaving your body because of stress - you can take action!
The fastest and easiest remedy is to breathe.
Take a deep breath and bring your awareness into the body by pulling your energy back down into it.
As you breathe, you can even close your eyes and feel yourself returning into your body through the chakras. Start at the top of your head, your crown chakra, and work your way down your spine all the way to the first chakra, located at the base of the spine.
We often fly out of our bodies because someone or something triggers a fear response in us and we instantly feel unsafe. But we’re actually not terribly effective when we’re floating in orbit. In this place, we are often unclear, and unable to get focused.
Instead we have to ground ourselves back into the body. This enables us to take clear, concise and thoughtful action.
3. Care For Your Physical Body
I used to think my body was the enemy but after years of working on myself, I overcame my eating disorder and the negative thinking around that. Now I have learned to love and appreciate my body.
Which is why I resonated with Deepak Chopra’s affirmation: “the body is the garden of the soul.”
When I think about my body as this sacred vessel that houses my soul, I want to treat it even more respectfully. That means feeding it quality foods, giving it exercise, rest, relaxation, and pampering.
Being a spiritual person means that you honor your body and care for it as much as you do your psyche. Your body is here for you, to take you through your days on this planet. It’s a vital part of who you are. The more you honor the body and keep it healthy, the happier and more relaxed you will be.
Will this help you?
Leave me a comment below!
Living Stress Free: 7 Habits for a Life Filled with Peace & Joy
Feeling stressed?
You’re not alone!
Most everyone struggles with managing life in this highly connected, 24/7 world. And, if you’re anything like me, you may have never learned healthy coping skills for stress.
Over the years, I’ve learned to incorporate these seven habits. Since then, my life works better, I’m less crazed and more productive.
So instead of coming home and drinking a 6-pack of beer, or vegging out in front of the TV, consider incorporating some of these into your life.
1. Breathing
My #1 rule to live by is breathing.
Of course you breathe all the time (or you’d be dead!) But when you can focus on your breath – and take a few nice, deep breaths, it will instantly transform your moment. Suddenly you’ll feel more expansive. Breathing with awareness slows down the whirling thoughts and offers room for clarity.
Breathing always comes before I make any shifts or changes.
I stop, breathe and then take action.
2. Visualize It
I believe that the Universe is always supporting us and providing us with what we need. Unfortunately, we’re often unclear about what we DO want or are accidentally giving the Universe messages of things we don’t want.
We constantly telegraph our desires – consciously and unconsciously- to the Universe with our thoughts, intentions, imagery and words.
When you find yourself in a stressful situation, pause for a moment and visualize the outcome you actually want.
- Is it to have plenty of time to get your tasks done?
- Maybe there’s a grievance that needs to be resolved easily and effortlessly – picture that.
- Perhaps you want a specific outcome. Instead of thinking about what you don’t want to happen, try seeing what you do want – as if it’s already done.
Feeling stressed?
You’re not alone!
Most everyone struggles with managing life in this highly connected, 24/7 world. And, if you’re anything like me, you may have never learned healthy coping skills for stress.
Over the years, I’ve learned to incorporate these seven habits. Since then, my life works better, I’m less crazed and more productive.
So instead of coming home and drinking a 6-pack of beer, or vegging out in front of the TV, consider incorporating some of these into your life.
1. Breathing
My #1 rule to live by is breathing.
Of course you breathe all the time (or you’d be dead!) But when you can focus on your breath – and take a few nice, deep breaths, it will instantly transform your moment. Suddenly you’ll feel more expansive. Breathing with awareness slows down the whirling thoughts and offers room for clarity.
Breathing always comes before I make any shifts or changes.
I stop, breathe and then take action.
2. Visualize It
I believe that the Universe is always supporting us and providing us with what we need. Unfortunately, we’re often unclear about what we DO want or are accidentally giving the Universe messages of things we don’t want.
We constantly telegraph our desires – consciously and unconsciously- to the Universe with our thoughts, intentions, imagery and words.
When you find yourself in a stressful situation, pause for a moment and visualize the outcome you actually want.
- Is it to have plenty of time to get your tasks done?
- Maybe there’s a grievance that needs to be resolved easily and effortlessly – picture that.
- Perhaps you want a specific outcome. Instead of thinking about what you don’t want to happen, try seeing what you do want – as if it’s already done.
3. Be a Thought Gardener
We’re always thinking.
Unfortunately so many of those thoughts are negative or are unconscious. Things such as:
- “I should have remembered to…”
- “Wow, my hair looks terrible today.”
- “I messed up that one part of my presentation…”
Make the decision to have kind and positive thoughts – about yourself, your work and home life.
A simple way to incorporate this is to utilize affirmations.
- I easily and effortlessly get the job done.
- I am beautiful today.
- I am smart and conscientious.
Positive thoughts are uplifting and help us be more productive and feel less stressed.
4. Have Healthy Boundaries
It can be hard to say NO but this is a really important step in order to take care of yourself.
The ability to say NO is directly related to boundaries.
Are you okay with taking on this project or do you already have too much to do?
Do you need more help at home because suddenly all the chores have fallen into your lap?
Another way to explore boundaries is to identify people and situations that are stress triggers.
As much as possible, eliminate these. If you can’t, see if maybe you can adjust how you show up.
For example, if watching the news before bed makes you anxious and then it’s hard to fall asleep, watch something else, read, play a game or do some deep breathing.
Is there a particular person who makes your blood pressure spike? Can you avoid seeing her? If not, how can you limit your exposure?
5. Meditation – Start a Daily Practice
This can be as simple as 5 minutes in the morning. Meditating first thing will set your day and infuse you with energy, clarity and peace.
There are now apps designed to help you start a practice. They offer guidance, music, timers and reminders for you to come back to your practice. Some are free and some are not. For a list of 17, click here.
6. Schedule FUN
This should probably be #1! As adults, it’s so easy to fall into the serious trap. Life is all about business, things are important and weighty but it’s crucial for our mental health, youthfulness and creativity to incorporate fun into our schedules.
Fun is rejuvenating and actually feeds us.
After an afternoon at the beach or a night at the comedy club, you’ll be surprised at how much easier it is to work. We have to give ourselves fun time – all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy (not to mention grouchy and uptight!)
What does fun look like to you?
7. Self Care
For many of us this can be hard – especially if we’re programmed as givers or care takers. We can falsely interpret this as selfish but here’s the thing;
You can’t give to others (pour from the pitcher) if there isn’t anything to give.
We have to replenish the pitcher in order to give!
What does self care look like to you? Is it curling up with a good book? Getting a massage? Treating yourself to takeout or a movie night?
Make a list of things that feel good to you, are relaxing and rejuvenating.
Try incorporating these 7 habits and bring more peace and joy into your life. We can use the tasks and work in our lives to propel us ahead and inspire us or it can overwhelm us and stress us out.
By incorporating these ideas, see if life suddenly feels easier and a bit more enjoyable!