The other day I turned 54 years old and yes, this means it is my birthday.
Oddly though I don't have much thought around things or events I must do on a birthday.
I am happy to continue working, and make sure that each day of my life is filled with bliss and joy.
Not to say that I won't find some way to celebrate however it doesn't have to be the way others always told me it had to be.
Whenever I do anything because that is what others want, I am always disappointed. So with age I have learned to find joy in small things; Naps with my dogs, smell of fresh flowers, taste of white chocolate cake and working appliances. (Yes my dishwasher broke the day before my birthday so that was my gift).
So how do you find joy in things each day? Do you find yourself uncomfortable because you think others will judge you? See I use yoga practice just for this reason. I can observe my feelings and begin to expand my response. I can begin to view what I am thinking in a different way. ie like it is a gift that I may not understand or appreciate just yet. Then we can use coping skills in yoga to help co-regulate the response system. Co-regulation means to use what is around us, from others and environment, to help us regulate the body and mind.
A good example is how I come home after a long day and spend a quiet afternoon just holding and petting my dogs. It helps to bring awareness to the action though, because just doing the physical activity won't guarantee a nervous system shift. When awareness happens it helps activate the Vagus Nerve and begin to communicate to the body that I am safe. This becomes very important to everyone however especially good for those dealing with chronic conditions of anxiety, stress and depression.
Which is why many have found tools like stress balls, spinners and anxiety blankets very helpful. It is also why others find things like gentle movement, being with community, and being outside in nature very helpful.
How could you use coping skills today to help shift or co-regulate your body response? Find yourself improving awareness and being with the small gifts in your day.
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Of course I hope to see you soon either online or in person.
My social media links are also listed below (see the icons).
In the meantime stay safe and have a wonderful summer!
--Paige