If you can solve your problem, then what is the need of worrying?
If you cannot solve it, then what is the use of worrying?
~ Shantideva
When stress comes in unending waves, sleepless nights are often a result. I've had my share of stressful moments lately, from finding a friend near death when I did a wellness check to having my car sideswiped (hit and run) yesterday. But the older I get, the more I try to take Shantideva's advice. That doesn't mean I don't feel the emotional side of things, but I don't have to let my thoughts add to the weight of it all. I learned yesterday that it is not slow, deep breathing that relaxes us, but the longer out-breath. Inhaling is what alerts the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) while slowly exhaling kicks in our parasympathetic system that can calm the body. The idea is to make your out-breath longer in order to relax, no matter what the mind is doing. Rose prods me to remember that even when there are thorns, there is still beauty and goodness in the world that I need to pay attention to - even more so when life gets bumpy.
I find that breathing out helps to let go of all things we can't control. I am glad you're okay and I pray your friend will recover again
ReplyDeleteGentle hugs (((Bev)))
Thank you, Ellen. Interesting that the out-breath reflects letting go while biologically it helps us to do just that!
DeleteI've seen people flick or shake their hands on that outbreath, get it off me get it off me. A very visual image of what can't be seen
ReplyDeleteAnd that would be another physical way to shake out the stress. 😊
DeleteThe long exhale. Sometimes in those stressful moments I try a practice I heard years ago, inhale + and exhale - imagine the the plus and negative signs with the breath. Inhale the positive exhale the negative, the long exhale gets rid of all those little bits of negativity.
ReplyDeleteAll my best wishes for your friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you Carolyn.😊 I like the visualization you do with the breath!
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