April 5. Earth 🜃: The Body and the Mundane
Take Four Minutes
As far back as I can recall, I have been a tight bundle of raw nerves, forever seeking solace from my relentless and vibrating body. Ulcers, welts on my skin, grinding teeth, knots in my shoulders, and sensory intolerance. It is genetic for me. And the modern world only keeps it that way.
Like a live wire, anxious people must take measures to ground themselves, in order to avoid further undue harm to themselves or others. The great news is, there are many ways to alleviate anxiety, in addition to seeking professional help.
Related Expertise
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concern in the United States. Over 40 million adults in the U.S. (19.1%) have a diagnosed anxiety disorder. Most people develop symptoms before age 21 (National Alliance on Mental Illness).
Inspired Action
Take four minutes for yourself, to get centered, to get grounded. Try one or more of these options each day for just four minutes, and notice if your overall resilience slowly improves.
- Drink an entire glass of water, slowly. Sit with your water cupped in your hands and drink a portion at a time in silence, with no distractions and no urgency.
- Stand outside with your bare feet on the ground, or in snowy conditions touch your indoor plants. Imagine the earth absorbing your excessive nervous energy, and returning a clean and vibrant source of calm to your body.
- While sitting up straight, breathe deeply for four to five breaths, then breathe normally for the remainder of the four minutes. If you feel anxiety return, take another few deeper breaths.
- While facing a window, imagine smiling softly at each of the things that worry you or wear on you. As in the Buddhist tradition, internally, privately invite the monsters to tea.
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