Care for Nervous Systems: Part 1. The Pause & Notice

Are you feeling at the mercy of your nervous system these days?

I understand. And don’t feel bad. Many people are. In everyday language you probably refer to it as “being stressed out.”

If you’d like help not feeling at the mercy of a nervous system run amok, read on. I’m going to start real basic, okay? No advanced techniques here, I promise. And best of all? You have everything you need, right where you are, to do this.

The Pause and Notice

Here’s the how: Stop for even just a moment. One of the easiest ways to pause is to notice your breathing. (Personally, I like to close my eyes when I do this.) Go ahead. I’ll wait! (This kitty will save your spot so you know exactly where to come back to.)

Often, just noticing our breathing will allow it to change into something more comfortable and easy for us. (Mmm, ease…)

Notice how I said “allow it” rather than “make it”? Noticing allows it to change. We’re not making anything happen. Whew! No forcing, no cajoling. How kind and respectful of ourselves.

Want to try The Pause and Notice again? Go ahead. I’ll wait. (This kitten will save your spot this time).

There’s nothing fancy about breathing. Our bodies and the air know exactly what to do with each other: the air, so generous, so right here, and your body, so ready, always, to receive that next breath… And just by noticing we get to piggyback onto something that most of the time, if not always, we already get to take for granted.

The poet Rilke said (in his poem Let This Darkness Be a Bell Tower):

…feel how your breathing makes more space around you

I know what he means. (And my hunch is that poets, as a demographic, have highly sensitive nervous systems. I think he knew of what he spoke!)

That’s all for today. I’ll have more Care for Nervous Systems soon. For now, why not give The Pause and Notice a whirl.

I’m right here, breathing with you, making space around us, until next time–

xo
Heidi

P.S. Have you been to Heidi’s Body-Oriented Meditation Classes? The Pause is a great place to receive gentle guidance, support and company while you practice pausing and noticing. First cup of calm is on me. (Coupon code: Cupofcalm) Cheers! You are so welcome.