Happy Spring!
I don’t think it needs to be overstated that this winter has felt LONG and drawn out. With our official first day of spring today, March 20, 2023, it marks an (at least an alleged) end to our long cold winter days and nights. With hopes of more sun and outside time with ourselves and loved ones for mental clarity.
But this blog is about the hardship and darker sides of winter. I feel many folks (Minnesotans no doubt) suffer with long hard, cold winters and how it really affects them mentally and emotionally. Often taking us into darker parts of our mind which can lead to dark and uncomfortable emotions in our bodies. Mental well-being is a process. It takes work, and it’s normal, yes NORMAL, to struggle a little in the winter. Hear that I am with you on this journey and write this blog as a result of a very challenging few weeks.
**Please note that I do not diagnose or treat things like depression and anxiety. I can offer support and healing for the body and mind but am not a medical doctor who prescribes medications for such nor do I feel it is my place to tell you what your body needs. You and your team of doctors KNOW what you need, please trust all that wisdom**
So, let’s address the word “suffering” and uncover some wisdom about it.
suf·fer·ing
/ˈsəf(ə)riNG/
noun
the state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship.
"weapons that cause unnecessary suffering"
ALL SUFFERING IS CAUSED BY A MISPERCEPTION. Perhaps a misperception of reality, of self, or of something you believe. Suffering arises by perceiving things NOT as they actually are. Hmm… that seems simple you are thinking right???
I know, I thought the same when I read it. Wow. Reality doesn’t need a belief, it just accepts things as they are showing up. However they are showing up!
So….. suffering occurs when we believe things happening are NOT as they should be. We have some other idea of how we want them or think they should be. Boom. Suffering. You have to believe they are NOT the way they are in order to perceive things other than they actually are.
My god, there's no such thing as a true belief. (insert mind-blown emoji)
Ok, so what strategies did I use the last few weeks?? Here they are. Hoping they help you find peace and welcoming of how life IS showing up for you.
WELCOME BREATH
1. Sit comfortably, cross legged if possible. Slow deep inhale focused breath up the back of spine, through mid back and up backside of neck. While breathing in, say in your mind “Welcome. Yes welcome.” And welcome whatever sensations or thoughts or emotions may be showing up in your bodymind.
2. Hold the breath at the top. Then slow deep exhale with breath coming down the front side of the body.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2. You can do this Welcome Breath 4-5 times in a row. Cycle
4. Rest, allow the practice to stop and simply be and notice what’s there
This process helps the mind and nervous system soften into what is there. To be present with what’s there and give it a voice.
BILATERAL STIMULATION
1. Cross your arms over your chest with each hand on opposite shoulder.
2. Alternate tapping each shoulder while counting “1…2…1”
3. Do about 30 seconds or so and notice how the body is feeling
INSEEING
1. Identify- something to work with- an issue, a problem, or some distress you’ve been feeling
2. Notice- how it feels in your body- the felt sense of it
3. Speak- what it feels like, and double check that the words you’re using to describe really fit
4. Engage- with it by saying hello, or acknowledge you’re aware of it
5. Invite it to Express how it’s feeling or what it wants
6. Receive Insights and let it know you’re hearing it
7. See if it Needs anything further from you right now
8. Express Gratitude for whatever came into your awareness
