A Holistic Approach to Reducing the Effects of Stress in Times of Uncertainty

A Holistic Approach to Reducing the Effects of Stress in Times of Uncertainty

When we are under constant stress, we feel dis-ease. When we are relaxed, we feel a sense of ease. When we feel at ease, we relax and our heart, body, mind and soul have an opportunity to restore and regenerate health on all levels.

The reality is:

All we have is today.

And, all you really have to do is today.

One breath and one minute at a time.

Somewhere it is written, if you take care of the present, the future will take care of itself.

In this moment, wherever you are, take notice of your breathing. The rhythm of your inhale and exhale, their duration and where sensation in your body is most prominent. These are all a reflection of the state of your mind in this very moment in time. Is there any space between your inhale and the release of breathing out? How about after you exhale, is there any amount of space, however brief, before your body naturally draws in the following breath?

Current events are inviting us to slow down, return to privacy, connect with the earth, prioritize and  remember:

What makes you feel alive?

What will you do to make the most of this precious gift called life? Today?

In order to understand the meaning of a holistic approach to reducing the effects of stress in times of uncertainty, it helps to break it down:

What is the meaning of holistic? Imagine the whole picture. Imagine that every part of you is connected: your heart, body, mind and soul are in constant interplay, one aspect of your life creatively informing another. You are a whole being and when one part is “off”, another part also falls out of place. By that same token, when one part of you feels “on”, other parts of you fall into place.  Imagine a domino effect that can go either way, towards your sense of ease or dis-ease.

Think about your heart. Happiness is good for your heart and strengthens your immune system. What makes you happy? What inspires joy? Bliss? What reminds you of the inherent connection shared between your existence and all living beings? Happiness also improves your sleep, reduces stress levels and pain, improves productivity, inspires creativity, improves mental health, can lengthen your life expectancy, promotes a healthy life style and improves your overall cardiovascular health. Your heart is surrounded by your lungs. When you breathe, you communicate with and massage your heart from the inside. How is your breathing now?

Think about your body. Imagine a building. How would you love to live in a space you are imagining? Your home, a second skin, an outer dwelling, a tangible building? Now, how do you want to live in the space you already inhabit? Your first home on this earth, your body, your first skin, your mobile dwelling?

Now think about your mind and the current relationship you share with your inner world. Imagine the connection between your breathing and your mind. If your breathing is short and shallow, there is a good chance your mind is busy. By that same token, if your mind is racing, there is a good chance that your breathing will mirror that pace. There is a direct relationship between your mind and your breathing. How do we slow down our racing minds? Slow down your breathing. In particular, slowing down your exhale. For the next minute, simply take notice of how you let go. Notice the subtleties in your exhalation. Bring your attention to the beginning, middle and end of your exhale and stay with it until there is nothing left to release. After you reach the end of the exhale, notice the pause. However brief. Notice the space between the breaths. A portal to inner peace and tranquility. Your body will naturally draw in the following breath. Again, stay with your exhale until you reach the end and again, you visit this place of stillness. However brief. Do this for one minute. On average, humans breathe 15 breaths per minute. This changes depending on the circumstances. Another way to practice is to close your eyes and practice ten breaths in this manner, counting the breaths on each finger of both hands. There are many breathing practices available to stimulate your parasympathetic nervous system, your ability to rest and digest, to relax and feel a sense of ease. This is merely one practice. Imagine a sense of ease available to you, anywhere and anytime. All you have to do is check in with your breathing. Slow down the exhale. The rest will take care of itself.

Now think about your soul. Your aura. Your energetic body. Your energy and your breathing. Again,here is the relationship between your breathing and connection to your soul. Imagine a soulful existence that enlivens your being and provides a sense of continual connection. Imagine your connection to nature. If you are in Baja, then there is a part of nature that fuels your soul. What do you love? The water? Mountains? Both? Now, imagine the opposite of nature: electronics, social media, and devices. Everything serves a purpose. Begin to notice how each one of these elements makes you feel. Where do you feel relaxed? More of that! What causes anxiety? Less of that! Which way do you direct the domino effect?

How do you reduce the effects of stress in times of uncertainty? Check in with your heart, body, mind and soul. Continually. Trust the innate wisdom of your being. You are in Baja where beauty abounds. Beauty strengthens the lungs. Be where you can breathe easily and you will feel at ease. Stress will melt away. Even if only momentarily. The practice of living with ease is like strengthening a muscle. Resilience training. When you feel the effects of stress on your heart, body, mind and soul, pause, reset. You can always begin again. Every breath is a new beginning.

May all beings be filled with lovingkindness

May we view uncertaintity with open hearts

May creativity inspire our every day

May our minds and perspective remain clear

May our bodies be a sanctuary of health

May we see obstacles as opportunties

And remember the beauty within us and around us every day.

Blessings, Tehroma