Coping
with Stress, implies containing or
controlling stress, which can be damaging when energy input is
excessive, or more than is required for dealing with a situation. The
causes of stress are many and all forms of stress are constraining in
some way. The word stress is from a Latin root strictus,
from stringere, to
draw tight. There are strings attached to most that we become
contracted to in this world, whether it is a mortgage or a pay day
loan.
Energy
as life-force, is expressive at many levels, whether mineral, plant,
animal or human; this when fulfilling its purpose can be called good
energy, or energy that is suited to purpose, and when destructive and
inimical to purpose, bad energy, not suitable to purpose. Energy in
itself is neither good nor bad; it is how it is directed is the key;
we would all like to live a harmonious life and when stress becomes
excessive, we need ways of dealing with it.
Coping
methods can be at either physical emotional or mental levels, such as
exercise like going for a walk and if possible in open countryside,
or by the sea. Listening to soothing music, calming the breath, or
even a short nap as worry can be emotionally draining. Thoughts are
energy formations with direct links to the way we feel, and deep
feelings of anxiety can be persistent and difficult to let go.
The
practice of mindfulness is taking control by steadying the mind and
breaking the inertia of worrying trains of thought. Train yourself to
stop serial thinking by focussing on the immediate and present
moment; if at home try removing your footwear and earth yourself, by
affirming your contact with the ground. Become aware of the things in
your immediate vicinity as it is possible to be rushing to solve
problems and forget the space you occupy.
Sub
consciousness and deep seated fears are the most difficult to deal
with, as on the surface they may seem irrational, and yet there is
always a reason lying behind the fears we experience. The yoga class
and yoga nidra can be
of help; particularly if we learn to hold ourselves at the edge of
sleep and observe impressions that rise to the surface. One technique
(Yoga Nidra). usually guided by an experienced yoga teacher, is to
first relax and then present a series of images to the mind, some
pleasant and some unpleasant e.g. a cottage with roses around the
door, an endless burning dessert, a coffin beside an open grave.
These
and similar visualisation repetitions are briefly focussed upon;
before letting go and clearing the mind and then observing the
impressions and feelings that come to the surface, as underlying deep
seated tension is released. A not dissimilar auto-suggestive
relaxation technique, in which helpful words and sentences are used
to create positive feeling changes, is Autogenic training. The words
if carefully chosen will help bring a positive re-orientation and
support when dealing with a variety of life’s difficulties.
Meditation
also helps to put life back into perspective, by creating space
between yourself and the problem to be solved. Stress intensifies a
situation and exaggerates, and creating space between you and the
problem, will open the mind to fresh ideas. Creating space is the
basis of Zen meditation, starting with the focussed mind then letting
go completely, and letting go whatever the mind has been focussed on,
so that at it disappears completely. Then returning back to the
original focal point and as you will discover, it will always be with
new ideas and a fresh sense of perspective.
Stairways
to Heaven is a similar meditation for outdoors on a summers day or by
use of the imagination and starts by just listening to the sounds of
nature, bird song, and even sensing the world around as if seeing
with the skin surface.; then by stepping upward from each sense
impression, reaching upward as if into limitless space, until mind
and heart are filled, as if with blue sky. Blue is a refreshing and
healing colour and is only a step away from the clear untroubled mind
of a self-realised yogi.
The
breath and the emotions are closely related and calming the breath,
calms’ the emotions. There is a close relationship between breath
and spirit and when agitated in body and mind, the breath is likely
to reflect the emotional tone present in that moment. When stressed
breathe deeply and slowly as if the breath were rising and falling,
from and into an oasis of peace. Then retain this peace at the centre
of your being.
