You know that feeling when you're on edge, like you're just waiting for something to go wrong? You can't quite put your finger on it, but you know that everything's not quite right. It’s so easy to ignore that feeling of edginess, to distract yourself with something else.
I had this last night after a busy day of work and playing taxi to my teen. I had the house to myself for an hour and I’d usually flop in front of the TV, but this time, I decided to lean into the feeling.
I pulled out the tools from my personal 'Mental Health First Aid Kit' and took a quick inventory of things that usually help me during those moments of uncertainty.
I know that spending time outdoors in nature will settle me. There's something about being surrounded by trees, fresh air and moving my body that just calms me down.
So, I decided to head out into the field behind our house. What a stunning evening it turned out to be! The sun was setting, and the sky was a hazy shade of orange. I was surrounded by nature's beauty, so I let go and allowed myself to be absorbed by it, to be fully present in the moment.
In stepping outside and engaging all my senses I activated my parasympathetic nervous system - so effective in reducing stress and overwhelm. I immersed myself in what I could see, hear, feel, taste, and smell, and it truly brought back a sense of perspective.
Slowing down and creating a gap between what’s triggering us and our response is key in managing those moments of uncertainty. When we're feeling on edge, stressed, or worried, it's easy to react quickly and impulsively. But if we can slow down and take a moment to breathe, we'll be better able to respond in a thoughtful and measured way.
I believe that living in harmony with our core values is essential for personal happiness. When we act in accordance with what is truly important to us, we experience a sense of alignment and purpose. This can lead to a more carefree and enjoyable life.
On the other hand, when we try to live up to the expectations of others, neglecting our own values, we experience resistance and stress. This is because we are essentially trying to be someone we are not. When we are not true to ourselves, we can feel like we are living a lie. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and a sense of unfulfilled potential.
It’s so important to take the time to identify our core values and live in accordance with them. This may not always be easy, but it’s so worth it.
That's why I'm so excited about the retreat this September! It's a great opportunity to discover our core values and how they shape our lives. In the morning, we'll be immersed in a workshop where we can explore what truly resonates with us. The goal is to empower you with tools to navigate times of stress.
Afterwards, we'll take time to nourish our bodies, focusing on both nutrition and relaxation. And to top it all off, we'll experience a sound bath, which is a profound way to rejuvenate.
If you're interested in learning more about the retreat, just click here. I’m excited to share all the details with you. I promise, it's an experience you won't want to miss!