How to better deal with today's stress
Stress today is heavier, more complex
Dear reader,
today’s stress is heavier and more complex. Not only may we have illness within our families, or even ourselves, not only may our current job be at risk, not only may companies go bankrupt because clients are holding back their money, but there is also geopolitics, the war in Israel and Ukraine, politicians “play” around with the idea of nuclear war (not realizing that there is no way in winning such a war - it will destroy us all), in some countries there is election time which creates additional insecurity. The list could go on…
All these tensions are “in the air” and we either feel them directly, or more unconsciously. The more unconscious effects of these stressors may affect our emotions. We may feel depressed, or low with energy, demotivated.
For instance in my family: Three years ago the wife of my brother-in-law died because of cancer. Two years ago my mother-in-law died because of age and cancer. Currently my daughter-in-law has breast cancer and is taking chemo. This is just one example of many - if you look around.
It seems that humanity is facing huge challenges. What could be the call upon us?
I leave this questions open for now.
One way to be better able to deal with such manifold stressors is the following exercise:
Go with your consciousness in the area of the heart.
Breathe there in and out, a little slower, so that it is comfortable.
Activate a feeling of compassion, love, or appreciation for someone or something (this could be a beautiful scenery in nature, or someone you care for).
Send this feeling to yourself first, into your whole body and soul, and then to others (to the person you care for, or to your family, or even to those in war-zones who suffer).
Be sure that your thoughts and feelings have a real effect.
This exercise has been developed by the Heartmath Institute (see heartmath.org). It is called Heart Lock-in(tm). I am a certified Heartmath coach and trainer. I have years of experience with this and other related exercises. They are very effective and scientifically proven.
Try it out and send me your experiences and comments - if you like.
Warm greetings,
Alexander