Coming to your Five Senses.

During a flare up our bodies can be the most uncomfortable, unforgiving and terrifying place to be present. Attention always seems to be directed at the discomfort which can create a cycle of anxiety and increased sensations of pain.

I like to use an exercise I call ‘Coming to your Five Senses’

I invite you to give it a try. In your immediate environment right now:

What do you see?

What do you hear?

What do you smell?

Can you taste anything at the moment?

Can you feel anything on your skin such as clothes, temperature or movement from the air?

Our five senses provide a true reflection as to what is actually going on in our environment at the present moment. It can serve as a reminder to our nervous system that we are, in fact, safe. When we become overwhelmed with anxiety because of pain we can use our senses as a roadmap to become present.

Once in tune with these senses, the breath becomes our best friend. Breathing in and out calmly through the nose, again, provides proof to our system that this anxiety is not necessary.

At times, our surroundings may be overstimulating causing stress. As you are doing this exercise, ask yourself if the lights or sounds around you are too much. Sometimes it is necessary to remove ourselves from an environment that is causing too much stimulation until we can find calmness in our presence.

Health and Light,