Feeling Crazy out there? !?

It’s hard to focus when we are bombarded with information that seems so close to our own safety, telling us things are less safe. It triggers our systems, especially if we were triggered a lot when young.

Options, turn off the notifications, turn off the news, get some soothing music going. Dance a little.

All easier said than done, but practising ways to get back into a present rhythmic activity will calm down your nervous system. Here are some to try.

Walk on the spot if you can’t get outside. Moving your arms and legs in that familiar way works magic on your brain settling down the connections between left and right. Connecting logic and intuition, helping you know where you are, here and now and that you are safe here and now.

Try and bit of cold or ice. Hands and/or face in cold water. Maybe a cold shower or bath. Maybe get an ice cube and juggle it for a while! Hits two spots as juggling also gets your brain into operating in the here and now and cutting into any overthinking that may be going on.

Bouncing a ball off a wall is one I heard recently.

Compassion based practise will also help turn down the volume of the criticism (which we know is well meant and was designed to help you survive difficult conditions)

This works with neural plasticity, which we are also working with in therapy as you witness finding adult in yourself through some of our work. As a child we take criticism to heart as we are trying to learn rules and systems which often don’t make sense to us or feel very overwhelming in a small body.

There is other work in stabilising and grounding which all take practise and can be gently supported rather another task which you don't manage to fit in.

In all cases each increment of difference and staying with present awareness are building blocks which help build internal support.

When things are looking rough we are looking for something to feel safe. Find those places for yourself.

These are options for grounding which is effectively secure attachment.

 Cultivation of secure attachment relationships with:

 • Land, nature, plants, animals, rocks. Yes, and trees, love trees, notice especially their relentless energy as we come into spring and they just do life. We also have that life.

 • Ancestors– bloodline, spiritual, professional, activist. Notice and remember your place in time. Remember ancestors. I can feel the strength of ancestor cousins and uncles, they worked together to keep us safe. People are brave and impressive in unfathomable circumstances. We are not

be alone.

 • Culture– language, food, music, customs, rituals, traditions, stories, song. Write something about how you are feeling. Share it.

 • Body–one’s own body as well as other bodies. Sometimes going and sitting with others in a café will help you regulate rather than being home along. We are designed to be with others. Go to a dance class or yoga class. Get on a bus and mingle with others.

 • Make a timeline of your life and all the other difficult moments you have found a way to get through.