Tune In

Tune IN

When we face challenges that overwhelm us, our bodies naturally are designed to either rev up or shut down. Then there are also moments when we are regulated. We experience all three at different times and each of these are normal and okay.

The greater the crisis the more regulation we need. The more in tune or connected to our body we are, the more we can stay settled, solid and equipped to handle life.

Often our focus in times of stress can be on the importance of creating a good routine. Whilst this is good, what we really need is to also find a rhythm.  A rhythm helps us roll with the ebbs and flows of uncertainty in life. But how do we find our unique rhythm? Is it about simultaneously understanding our feelings and becoming in tune with our body thereby giving ourselves permission to meet these needs.

If you're feeling numb or a little lost and finding it hard to know how you are feeling, the best thing to do is start by grounding yourself.

How do I ground myself?

Begin with reconnecting back to the body. A way to do this is to start physically moving your body. This might look like closing your eyes, breathing gently and connecting to the body parts. Letting go of any heavyness and hardness. It may mean stretching, putting gentle pressure on your arms and legs, pushing yourself against the wall doing things to help you physically feel. It might be having a sip of icy water, splashing cold water on your face, going for a walk or hugging a pillow. After this take a deep breath in and slowly breathe out noticing how your body is physically feeling. Adding gentle pressure to your body physically allows you to activate yourself again. It is an effective way to reach and help you to think and make decisions in overwhelming times.

Once you have reconnected to the body, then pause and check in with yourself at a deeper level by asking the following questions:

 How is my body doing?

 How is my spirit and soul really doing?

 Am I losing myself? Where did I go? How do I come back?

What does my body need? It might be...I just need to eat. Have a drink of water. Be close to someone. Feel safe again, etc

Once you answer these questions go and meet your bodies needs. This is the kindest thing that you can do for yourself.

If you feel like there are barriers to meet the need that your body craves, what is getting in the way?

Is there a creative way that I can meet this need in a different form , can I give that to myself? Why or why not?

It is not so much about the activity you choose to do to meet the need, but about the intention. What is the intention you are in when you support yourself to feel steady and regulated? What are the tools you use to reconnect and do you appreciate the power you have to re-set and refresh simply by tuning in and going to your tools of reconnection.

Make tuning into your body and it needs a daily practice.

You will find that you are much more able to cope and flourish in life even when times are tough. This may just be the self love that you were looking for. 

~ Lauren Brown ~ Organisation Wellness

www.annacentre.com.au