We’re talking about Personhood and self care this month and I know that in the midst of life, focusing on these elements is not always easy. Today I want to introduce one of my favorite practices, that may not even feel like self care, but it truly is.

When life feels swirly and unsteady and chaotic and unmoored, get LOW + SLOW. The only way to slow down the feeling of “out of control” or “this is too much” or “I just can’t can’t can’t” is to:

Stop – Stop your body. Stop your thoughts. Stop your stories.

Get Low – Lay down on the ground or on the couch or on the bed. If you can’t, just bring your awareness to your feet. Physically, emotionally, spiritually…Get down, baby.

Breathe – Take one. Then another. Then another.

Breathe again.

Then, yes, a little more breathing.

Put your hand on your heart and say, “I’m safe. I feel unsafe and I am safe.”

Look around and notice what you see – “Blue sky. White clouds. Green grass. Picture. Kitchen. Chair. Pillow.”

Start appreciating what you can appreciate – “The sun came up again. Sure they make me feel like I’m losing my mind, however, my people, these people I wished for in my life, are healthy and growing and won’t always be in this phase. I have ways to connect with the world. I have people to reach out to. I get to struggle with the things that feel hard and I can see that it’s growing me/us/all.”

Take some more deep breaths.

When things feel overwhelming all you can do is slow or stop the swirl. And only you can slow or stop your swirl.

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If you are feeling out of sorts, do these things several times throughout the day.

If you are feeling steady, go big with your appreciations. It’s like money in your emotional bank account.

The more you have in, the more you have to draw upon when things do feel a little less easeful.

We’re all just finding our way.

Go gently, beautiful being,

Carrie