Nerves!
In the process of teaching large groups online no matter the subject there is the inevitable and perfectly understandable question about how we deal with everything going on in the world.

What I believe compliments what might be suggested by others and what I suggest coming from my own practice is cultivating the capacity to stay somewhat centered by being in the body, and—most importantly—creating softness and space whenever possible.

This may sound abstract, but it can be a missing piece that many of us don’t naturally incline towards. But we can. Because we are a network of nerves (amongst other things) like the illustration above, nerves can get overstimulated and nerves can be calmed .

My body is pretty sensitive so this is what I do everyday to stay somewhat balanced and at ease:

~Lie down on the floor, a bed, or anywhere comfortable. Let your body relax as much as possible. Notice what releases easily, and what doesn’t, at least not yet.

~Relax, stay clear and wakeful – a practice in and of itself – and allow the heaviness of your bones be palpably felt by your tissues. This serves as a reminder that it’s perfectly fine to not have to hold on tightly. Sometimes I notice I’m holding ‘my brace for anything’ position and can let go by acknowledging that right now, I’m okay.

~Imagine your mind is a vast, clear sky, the one that we all live under.

~Coax your heart to plump up and expand by sending some warm breath into and around it.

~Enlarge the sense of space inside by breathing into tight areas. Picture it happening, and you’ll begin to feel it.

This gives you agency: sense tightness and release it when you can.

Eventually you’ll be able to do this when you want, and as you need to. It’s a powerful skillful means that can shift and re-arrange body, heart, and mind. As always it takes practice (not just thinking about it) and kindness and maybe even some resignation that all we can really control, is our own heart/mind and body. From that clarity and balance, we can step up as needed and take compassionate action.

Finally, I have a new Mentoring Group for Clinicians and those in the helping or caregiving fields. This small group begins October 10 and will support you personally and be a space where we can freely discuss integrating somatic and mindful practices into your work with clients.

Remember, not everything is just all in your mind — the body is conscious awareness too.

I hope you’ll join me somewhere sometime soon.
Kindly, Jill

The illustration above is from an 18th or early 19th century drawing of the nervous system.