Stress: Back to Basics
In these challenging times we are surrounded by feelings of stress. They are within ourselves and within those who share our lives – from our loved ones and business associates, to our politicians and the press. The truth is, there is a lot we could be stressed about if we really want to be.
Stress detracts from life. It robs us of energy. It damages our health. It causes us to say and do things we later regret. Is there anything positive to say about stress?
Is there an effective answer to stress in any given situation?
Take a brief moment and imagine your life free of stress or simply allow yourself to welcome that within you which is already and always stress free and at peace. Can you be open to at least the possibility that from this moment forward, you can experience more peace and a greater sense of calm in any given situation?
Now notice if any feelings come up about that . . . are they positive and optimistic that this is what you can experience from this moment on?
Or do you have feelings and thoughts that say, “You walk a mile in my shoes and tell me a life free of stress is possible. I’ve got bills to pay, deadlines to meet, kids to take care of . . . ”, or “Stress brings out the best in me. I need it to make my deadlines and do my best work,” or “That’s just life. Life isn’t meant to be easy.”
If you are not having the experience of optimal confidence and peace of mind in any situation then you may be holding onto, or at the effect of, feelings that do not allow peace to be. In other words, if you do not feel as at peace and confident in any given situation as you desire, it is for one simple reason; you are literally holding feelings or beliefs that actually prevent you from experiencing what you are!
Back to Basics
These feelings you have are just feelings. You can let these feelings go just as easily as you can let an object you are holding drop to the ground. These feelings you hold will only prevent you from having exactly what you want for as long as you hold them. Whether you choose to hold them for a long time – or whether you choose to release them now – right now; the choice is yours.
The next time you feel stressed, or just less calm and confident than you would like to be, use The Sedona Method “Could you? Would you? When?” technique and see what happens. In fact, if stress is a challenge for you, try using this technique every 15 minutes or so (it will only take you 10 seconds) to release any feelings of stress you are holding.
You may also choose to check in and see if you can find the "me" who is stressed. In this moment, if you are not identified with what was, is there actually someone there to hold onto all that stress? Or you can simply check to see if you are the stress, or if you are that which is aware of the comings and goings of stress yet is unaffected.
The presence that you are is spaceless, timeless and stress free. You can rediscover the awareness that you are now... And now. And now.
Okay?
Love,
Hale
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