WalkaboutWirt Blog Post #9
Tiptoe-ing Through the Mind-field of Stress
Greetings once again - and so soon already! I hope you are well in body, mind, and spirit.
I've always been fascinated by human and animal behavior. Can't help it - just am. The lockdown of people over recent weeks across the planet to deal with the current pandemic is a golden opportunity for me to observe so much about our incredible world.
While we humans are restricted, wildlife everywhere is literally running wild with new life! Nature is thriving in the unprecedented sudden absence of humans with their machinery, cars, planes, and ships. Animals seem to be responding with great curiosity, venturing forth from their normal protective habitat into the domain of humans with the lack of interference to their sense of adventure. It may be somewhat bewildering to them, but there appears to be a sense of enjoyment coming from them!
What about humans now being restricted from their freedom of movement? Well . . . that's a different story, isn't it? Polar opposite on the face of it. That is also unprecedented in recorded history. Like the animal kingdom, there is a degree of confusion in how we tackle our new-found set of circumstances. But unlike most of the animal world, we have something in our mental make-up called imagination and ability to reason. That factor can be a blessing or a burden, depending on how well we manage it. This is certainly a time when each of us will be tested in that regard to some extent.
That, my friend, is my concern for humanity, our sense of civil-i-sation, and our very existence. In the bigger picture, I am already seeing very positive aspects of human nature like caring and compassion come to the fore in relation to others, known or unknown. There are also those using great ingenuity to overcome obstacles they are facing, often financial. There is a greater sense of a compassionate community through the commonality of our crisis.
It is the people that may not be able to get over those hurdles threatening not only their abundance but their very survival, that concerns me most. I know there are many who are doing it tough financially, emotionally, and grieving for sick or lost loved ones. My love and sympathy to those in particular.
Having grappled with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), I know the impact on my mind when suddenly feeling trapped and unable to manage a number of issues for the first time in my life. It was quite debilitating in a number of ways. The added responsibility of a young family and mortgage at the time perhaps was the factor that pushed me beyond my load limit, seemingly managing for years.
It was like trying to cross a mental minefield in a fog and darkness, not knowing if I would sink into a pit of depression or get blown away by an anxiety mine. It was difficult to determine the validity and direction of sounds and lights (guidance from various sources) to help get me through an unexpected journey of my planned path in life. It was mind-numbing. It was a long road to get beyond that, which I was gradually able to do. However, there was no going back - I could only go forward from that condition. Stress (particularly caused by trauma) is not conducive to mental clarity. Acceptance of that realization is relevant to our current crisis.
Many people across the globe are facing enormous pressures and emotional turmoil - ripe ground for PTSD if that is prolonged. It is a scientific fact that we lessen our ability to think objectively and to heal our body when we are persistently affected by the biological effects of fear and stress. We go into survival mode of fight/flight with adrenaline spikes, which can cloud our thinking. Regardless of what disease we are facing, that knowledge and taking action is more crucial than the disease itself. I believe it is relevant to say that fear is the greatest enemy we are facing.
I refuse to entertain and thus embody fear about any disease. Not because I am brave. It is simply because I believe those impacts on my body and mind that I just mentioned. Years of training in mindfulness, largely through meditation, and inherited stubbornness against being controlled against my will, no doubt make it easier. Also, the realization that love is the antidote to fear and thus disease. I certainly feel a greater sense of well-being when I feel love rather than fear, so I engage in practices to strengthen than understanding and outcome.
How do we clear our minds and settle our agitated emotions affecting our bodies to allow clear creative thoughts and diminish our sense of well-being?
In short . . . eliminate the stimulants of survival mode caused by fear and negativity.
Here are some ways to address that . . .
1. Get mentally present. Stress, depression, and anxiety are letting our minds dwell too long on the past or future. We can only control this present moment. Action can only happen in the present state of mind. That is where we hold the power to change what we don't want and engage what we do want.
2. How do we get our minds to stay in the present?
LAUGH!
Walk barefoot on soil or grass, or simply sit on it. That's grounding which is scientifically proven to help the body and mind to be present and aid in healing. It makes us feel uplifted and happier!
Train the mind and body.
Use breath exercises, meditation, activities that require mental focus like chess, do a crossword puzzle, make something with your hands, cut out something with scissors or a knife, etc. Some games help, but others may add stress, so be mindful of those you play.
3. Physical activity is always vital so do what you can, though that may be limited. Consider yoga, walking, stretches, pilates, dance, skip rope, isometric exercises . . . whatever works for you. Push yourself a bit. It all helps to get 'present' . . . and fitter. Use distractions that focus the mind away from unwanted thoughts.
Listen to uplifting music and talks.
Watch uplifting movies and videos.
Do something out of the ordinary that is FUN!
4. Eliminate as many stresses as possible, such as unnecessary expenses.
5. Accept the fact of what remains to deal with at this time. Try to formulate a plan to deal with the remains later, but stop if you start getting stressed about it. Only bite off what you can chew at any time.
6. Stand in front of a mirror. Have a bloody good LAUGH at yourself! Even if you have had loved ones pass on to a presumedly better world in spirit, I'm sure they would give you the same advice. My advice: perhaps not in public.
Love and Best wishes on your daily and longer journey . . .
Greg
Greetings once again - and so soon already! I hope you are well in body, mind, and spirit.
I've always been fascinated by human and animal behavior. Can't help it - just am. The lockdown of people over recent weeks across the planet to deal with the current pandemic is a golden opportunity for me to observe so much about our incredible world.
While we humans are restricted, wildlife everywhere is literally running wild with new life! Nature is thriving in the unprecedented sudden absence of humans with their machinery, cars, planes, and ships. Animals seem to be responding with great curiosity, venturing forth from their normal protective habitat into the domain of humans with the lack of interference to their sense of adventure. It may be somewhat bewildering to them, but there appears to be a sense of enjoyment coming from them!
An enormous pod of dolphins has brought much-needed smiles to people's faces in Bronte, in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
Aquabumps photographer Eugene Tan managed to capture the incredible moment one jumped out of the waves in front of amazed surfers. (March 20, 2020)
In an Instagram post he wrote:
"Around
7.45 am an enormous pod of dolphins darted around the point from Bondi –
thrusting in the air, bombarding the lineup. They put on the most
incredible show – it was kinda like dolphins saying 'Hey you land folk,
tough times we know, but stay positive'.
"Buses
stopped, cars pulled over and people lined the coast watching the show,
smiling. I heard people cheering and clapping. Ah yes, just what we all
needed to start our day."
What about humans now being restricted from their freedom of movement? Well . . . that's a different story, isn't it? Polar opposite on the face of it. That is also unprecedented in recorded history. Like the animal kingdom, there is a degree of confusion in how we tackle our new-found set of circumstances. But unlike most of the animal world, we have something in our mental make-up called imagination and ability to reason. That factor can be a blessing or a burden, depending on how well we manage it. This is certainly a time when each of us will be tested in that regard to some extent.
That, my friend, is my concern for humanity, our sense of civil-i-sation, and our very existence. In the bigger picture, I am already seeing very positive aspects of human nature like caring and compassion come to the fore in relation to others, known or unknown. There are also those using great ingenuity to overcome obstacles they are facing, often financial. There is a greater sense of a compassionate community through the commonality of our crisis.
It is the people that may not be able to get over those hurdles threatening not only their abundance but their very survival, that concerns me most. I know there are many who are doing it tough financially, emotionally, and grieving for sick or lost loved ones. My love and sympathy to those in particular.
Having grappled with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), I know the impact on my mind when suddenly feeling trapped and unable to manage a number of issues for the first time in my life. It was quite debilitating in a number of ways. The added responsibility of a young family and mortgage at the time perhaps was the factor that pushed me beyond my load limit, seemingly managing for years.
It was like trying to cross a mental minefield in a fog and darkness, not knowing if I would sink into a pit of depression or get blown away by an anxiety mine. It was difficult to determine the validity and direction of sounds and lights (guidance from various sources) to help get me through an unexpected journey of my planned path in life. It was mind-numbing. It was a long road to get beyond that, which I was gradually able to do. However, there was no going back - I could only go forward from that condition. Stress (particularly caused by trauma) is not conducive to mental clarity. Acceptance of that realization is relevant to our current crisis.
Many people across the globe are facing enormous pressures and emotional turmoil - ripe ground for PTSD if that is prolonged. It is a scientific fact that we lessen our ability to think objectively and to heal our body when we are persistently affected by the biological effects of fear and stress. We go into survival mode of fight/flight with adrenaline spikes, which can cloud our thinking. Regardless of what disease we are facing, that knowledge and taking action is more crucial than the disease itself. I believe it is relevant to say that fear is the greatest enemy we are facing.
I refuse to entertain and thus embody fear about any disease. Not because I am brave. It is simply because I believe those impacts on my body and mind that I just mentioned. Years of training in mindfulness, largely through meditation, and inherited stubbornness against being controlled against my will, no doubt make it easier. Also, the realization that love is the antidote to fear and thus disease. I certainly feel a greater sense of well-being when I feel love rather than fear, so I engage in practices to strengthen than understanding and outcome.
How do we clear our minds and settle our agitated emotions affecting our bodies to allow clear creative thoughts and diminish our sense of well-being?
In short . . . eliminate the stimulants of survival mode caused by fear and negativity.
Here are some ways to address that . . .
1. Get mentally present. Stress, depression, and anxiety are letting our minds dwell too long on the past or future. We can only control this present moment. Action can only happen in the present state of mind. That is where we hold the power to change what we don't want and engage what we do want.
2. How do we get our minds to stay in the present?
LAUGH!
Walk barefoot on soil or grass, or simply sit on it. That's grounding which is scientifically proven to help the body and mind to be present and aid in healing. It makes us feel uplifted and happier!
Train the mind and body.
Use breath exercises, meditation, activities that require mental focus like chess, do a crossword puzzle, make something with your hands, cut out something with scissors or a knife, etc. Some games help, but others may add stress, so be mindful of those you play.
3. Physical activity is always vital so do what you can, though that may be limited. Consider yoga, walking, stretches, pilates, dance, skip rope, isometric exercises . . . whatever works for you. Push yourself a bit. It all helps to get 'present' . . . and fitter. Use distractions that focus the mind away from unwanted thoughts.
Listen to uplifting music and talks.
Watch uplifting movies and videos.
Do something out of the ordinary that is FUN!
4. Eliminate as many stresses as possible, such as unnecessary expenses.
5. Accept the fact of what remains to deal with at this time. Try to formulate a plan to deal with the remains later, but stop if you start getting stressed about it. Only bite off what you can chew at any time.
6. Stand in front of a mirror. Have a bloody good LAUGH at yourself! Even if you have had loved ones pass on to a presumedly better world in spirit, I'm sure they would give you the same advice. My advice: perhaps not in public.
Greg
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