The Body and The Mind

We tend to think we can think our way into feeling better.

Step 1: slow down

Step 2: relax

Step 3: calm down

But the body doesn’t respond to instructions like that, it responds to signals.

Our nervous systems are constantly taking in information; not only from our thoughts, but from what we see, hear, touch, and repeat.

When things are fast, loud, or unpredictable, your body shifts into a state of alert. Heart rate changes, breathing shallows, muscles tense. (Ever notice after a stressful day how tight your shoulder feel?)

Even when you stop and sit, your system is still at work. It’s actually protective and very intellectual. However, over time our body and mind can confuse actual danger from perceived. We have to teach the difference.

The shift comes from changing signals. Simple things matter more than we expect

Rhythm, repetition, smell, consistency.

Looking at something still, hearing a sound that doesn’t spike or change abruptly, a familiar comforting smell.

These are cues your body recognizes that tell your system ~this is familiar, this is safe~

Over time, your body responds.

This will not happen all at once. Your body will react the way it always has, based on patterns you’ve always repeated. Unraveling takes consistency, not intensity.

So instead of asking:

“why can’t I relax?”

A better question might be:

“what is my body experiencing right now?”

This is the shift, not the mind first, in the body.

Give your body a different signal

Good things take time

xo,

Benjals