What do I do now?

I am so programmed to be “doing,” that simply “being” doesn’t seem enough. A swath of fear passed through me. What do I do with all this time and space??

An interesting question. I started observing my reactions.

I became very aware of my priorities. And that was scary!! I realized how much I have come to be dependent on distractions like the computer and TV, as well as the comforts of a hot shower and hot coffee. My priorities have been mostly around working.

In the midst of the storm, however, those priorities shifted to survival, and helping my neighbors, friends and, most of all, my family. Was everyone OK? I realized that I am not living in complete harmony with what I say I value, and I am far from just “being.”

As I allowed myself to stop resisting the situation and to move more into just being and relaxing, a great sense of joy came.

In a conversation with a client today who was experiencing a similar reaction, we practiced allowing the quiet to settle in. I coached my client to focus on her body and how it was feeling, to shift positions to invite relaxation. She was quickly able to move her focus from her “monkey mind” to her body and emotions. From that perspective she was able to tap into her heightened senses and become aware of what she really wanted to do, both today and in the next few weeks.

Try it. You don’t need a storm; you just need a minute or two:

1. Get in a comfortable position.
2. Bring your attention to your body.
3. Notice what you are feeling physically and emotionally.
4. Breathe deeply for a minute.
5. Focus on your body and invite all the tension to roll off.
6. Ask yourself: How am I?
7. See what shows up.

Doing this once a day will change your day, if not your life.