Tension is our friend...

With the upcoming holiday season I thought I would share some ideas and concepts around how to deal with stress, tension and anxiety.

Tension by its nature seeks resolution. Tension is the pressure your feel between two opposing realities.

Resisting tension is the primary cause of stress. Unfortunately, long term tension can become toxic.

The first step of moving away from toxic tension toward a harmonious life is, awareness. To be aware of the pain, fear and suffering you are experiencing.

Everyone experiences some form of stress and suffering. We label it anger, frustration, fear of failing, toxic emotions, racing thoughts or worries.

Notice yourself noticing these negative or toxic experiences. Then allow yourself to practice nonresistance.

Feel it, with one caveat. Do not feed, chase or add fuel to the fire of these experiences. Allow yourself to experience them and breathe.

Resist reacting or making any decision. Do not make any judgments, projections or conclusions from this emotional state. Watch your reactions, thoughts, feelings like you are watching a movie screen. You don’t start shouting at the movie screen.

Breathe and observe.

Don’t shout at yourself (or others), watch and observe. If you do not chase, feed or fuel these reactions and stay present, you will notice your mind wander. Which means your mind has moved on. You are thinking something different and unrelated. This mindful awareness can feel liberating because you regain your attention.

The side effect is a greater sense of calm.