Mind Tools & Inspirations: Ready, get set, stop
Right before the race begins a runner gets set to sprint. Like an athlete your body gets set for things you are going to do. This 3-minute experience helps you reduce the strain of chronic ready-ness.
TRY THIS…
If you have time, let me guide you so you can focus on your experience.
HERE IS THE PRACTICE
Close your eyes and bring your attention to your shoulders.
Without trying to change anything, notice how you are holding your shoulders.
Be aware of physical sensations in your shoulders.
Where is there effort? Where is there discomfort?
Now allow your shoulders to begin to relax.
Let your shoulders drop.
Let your shoulders relax.
Take your time. You can’t make this happen. You allow it to happen.
Perhaps using your exhale to help.
Relaxing a little bit more each time you breathe out.
Gently bring your attention back.
Invite something you’re intending to do to come to mind. Something you have to or want to or would rather not do.
What do you notice when you anticipate doing that thing?
Is there some excitement?
What does that excitement feel like?
Where do you feel it?
Is there some dread?
What does that dread feel like?
Where do you feel it?
Allow your anticipation of doing that thing begin to relax.
Take your time. You can’t make this happen. You allow it to happen.
Let your excitement or dread get quieter.
Perhaps using your exhale to help.
Releasing a little bit more anticipation each time you breathe out.
WHY DO THIS?
Things you’re intending to do—soon or tomorrow or one of these days—inhabit your body and emotions.
The presence of anticipation can be subtle. There may be tension in your shoulder or a vague sense of excitement or dread that you do not notice while your mind is busy doing other things.
It’s a little like you are lining up at the starting block, ready to race on a moment’s notice. But you hold that position for hours or days.
The ready, get set, stop experience helps you reduce the intensity of chronic ready-ness. You let it take a short nap.
Mind Tools & Inspirations are experiences for busy, smart, curious people to help you operate your human system.
To access the full set of Mind Tools visit https://substack.com/@yogamindtools
I add a new experience every week.
Kindly,
Carrie
Carrie Heeter, PhD
Yoga Mind Tools