I smell bug spray. That’s what we call mosquito repellent in Minnesota. The smell of sandalwood is walking me back to myself as I lie at the end of my parents’ dock on Blueberry Lake. Moments ago, I covered myself in bug spray and ventured off the property to start my morning run. Now that my run is complete, I am meditating while lying at the end of the dock and it feels amazing.
Lately, life has shifted due to COVID-19 and I find myself snapping, judging, criticizing and feeling guilty. At times, I abandon who I want to be and step into my worst nightmare of myself. In those painful moments, I’ve left my body. I am watching myself react harshly to life and wondering why I am so upset. I am not thinking rationally, nor am I thinking with my heart.
How do I get back into my body? How do I wake up to my true identity in that moment?
I use my five senses. What do I smell right now? I smell mosquito spray! What do I hear right now? I hear birds chirping. I hear the sound of water creatures flicking the surface of the water under the dock beneath my back. What do I taste right now? What do I see? What are my feet and hands touching right now? What is up against my skin right now? Can I feel any changes inside my body as I am experiencing this moment?
I’m slowly becoming better at sensing tension rising in my body when a trigger is occurring. My throat constricts, my breath becomes shallow, my hands go numb and heat rises into my chest and neck. Talk about sensations! My ego begs me not to notice these sensations and launches me straight into fight, flight or freeze mode. It’s my job to bring myself back into my body, notice the sensations and ask myself who I want to be, prior to reacting.
Prior to reacting to stimuli, try one of these ways to bring yourself back into your body:
- Take a deep breath
- Press your thumbnail into the pad of your pointer finger
- Smell the air
- Blink four times
- Shift your weight from foot to foot
- Wet your lips with your tongue
- Rub your hands together
- Say, “I love you”
I am interested to know what steps you take to respond authentically to events that may have triggered you in the past. Do you use any tools to stay in the present moment? I’d love to hear your thoughts and reflections.
Please let me know if you would like support on your journey. If you would like to help your biofield resonate at a higher vibration, I offer one hour Reconnective Healing sessions HERE.
Holding You in Love & Light,
Andrea Luzon
I would love to connect with you through Instagram @andreadrealuzon
