Well, That’s Just an Allostatic Load! – As we step right on into week nine of our new way of living, it turns out we’re all carrying quite a sizeable allostatic load right now. Allostatic is related to ‘homeostatic’, the things that are the same when it all is ‘normal’ like body temperature. Allostatic is the effort that the body puts in to keep things *in* homeostasis. Are you feeling exhausted after eight hours of sleep and a nap? Sensing a brain fog the likes of an Irish coastline? Or maybe a lethargy that feels like you had an i.v. of cement injected into your veins? This is the accumulation of stress hormones such as adrenaline, cortisol and other chemicals that let our bodies know we need to be freezing, fleeing or fighting. In normal circumstances our body may trigger these chemicals from time to time, but then they dissipate, usually through exercise, going to lunch with a friend, or taking a walk in the woods. Two things happening are increasing the load. First, we continue to live in an ambiguous, uncertain situation without an end date, which means we are continuing to feel worry, on high alert to keep ourselves and our families safe, and wishing daily for an end to it all. Second, we are out of our normal routines which for many of us means sleep difficulties, altered food choices, lack of personal down time, too much social media and news, trying to figure out 5th grade math, etc. It’s like a double whammy on our minds and bodies.
The antidote? RADICAL SELF-CARE! One of my favorite meditation teachers, Tara Brach, has a new book called Radical Compassion. She teaches a wonderful way to cope with anything that comes up within us that feels uncomfortable or challenging, RAIN: Recognize what is happening; Allow the experience to be there; Investigate with interest and care; Nurture with self-compassion. I have found this to be very grounding when I begin to feel the floodgates of fear and worry opening.
Some of you may know that I’ve studied and practiced Energy Healing and Shamanic Sound Healing for over ten years now and I can say that these practices are what has kept me sustained through the last couple of months. Below are several resources to give you some ways to nourish mind and body, release stress chemicals, and allow yourself to practice just being. We invite you to dip your toes into just one and see if you can find a delicious few minutes for yourself. I’m going to experiment with radical self-care by taking a 6-day Silent Retreat Staycation starting this Thursday. Phil will author Tuesday Tips next week and I’ll update you in a couple weeks on what I discovered while retreating.
Opportunities For a Good Nights Sleep
Open hearted presence - Tara Brach
Lauri Shainsky – Shamanic Sound Healer – Safe Boat Home
What habits have you created? – In a 2009 study on building habits it was concluded that it takes 66 days for a new behavior to become automatic. Now, this isn’t a one size fits all situation, however, for many of us, tomorrow is the 66th day of quarantine and it begs the question, what habits have we created at this point? Some are probably unwanted habits, like checking social media too often, or only bathing twice a week. Others may be more desired habits like wearing sweats to work every day, taking time for a five-minute daily meditation, or saving money by making coffee at home rather than stopping at Starbucks on the way to work. Some may be intentional, and others may be things we’ve done and didn’t even notice until we’re being asked to reflect on it. We encourage you to think about the habits you’ve created over the last 66 days and ask yourself what do you want to keep and what are you ready to release?
Your weekly dose of Upliftment – As I was searching the web for our uplifting ending, I stumbled on this Pep Talk from Kid President. It sure tickled me - Enjoy!
Please let us know if you find any of these to be helpful and share how you put them into practice. Also, if you have a tip to offer, let us know and we will include it in a future email or video.
We wish for you to find your special ways to thrive through this unprecedented time.
*If you would rather not receive these emails, please reply with Unsubscribe in the subject line and we will do so.
May You Be Well –
