Probably one of the most profound, and yet simple, of the epiphanies that I had during my awakening was this:
Physiologically speaking, I am both the experiencer and producer of stress.
What does this mean exactly? It means that my reaction to probably 99% of the things that I would classify as stress are completely preventable based on how I perceive and react to
them.
Next time you notice yourself in a stressful or even slightly uncomfortable situation, take note of your body's physical reactions. For example, say I'm about to speak in public, suddenly I notice my throat is a little clinched and my mouth becomes a bit drier, my palms are sweating a bit more. What is happening? I am reacting to my own self imposed stress based on my perception of the situation. By stopping to take a breath and take inventory of the situation, maybe I can gain a little insight into why I am producing this response. In most cases I find that I am sabotaging myself and reacting to something in my subconscious mind that really has nothing to do with the reality of the present situation. Public speaking is an easy example. I remember dreading having to get up and talk to the class in school. What are people thinking? Will I sound dumb? Have I prepared enough etc etc... The truth is I have know idea what people are thinking and as long as I believe in what I am saying, why should I care if it sounds dumb to anyone? Perhaps, if they react negatively it has nothing to do with me really and maybe they are reacting to some subconscious issue they have? Who knows? There could be a ton of varying examples along these lines. Start paying attention to the small physical sensations that you feel in your body during any type of interaction that happens in your life, especially your closest relationships. They are all trying to say something. (What it is it? That's for each of us to uncover.) A lot of times, I find that these thoughts and responses are responses to the "ego mind". That's the small voice that says I might not be good enough, or that there is not enough good things to go around in the world.. or that I won't find love.. etc..etc.. etc.. Don't listen. It's always asking us to choose fear over Love. Sometimes it's very subtle, sometimes it's not. Let go of the ego and feel good.
The point is to focus the awareness inward on our mental world and the corresponding physical sensations and to short circuit the negative cycle of stress before it starts. It might take practice, but the only one who can do this is me...(or you, in your case). Meditation has helped me a lot for creating the mental space to observe these reactions and feelings and then choose how I want to react, mentally and physically.
The flip side of this equation is that we also hold the key to happiness and bliss.
Inside of our bodies is a storehouse of chemicals as powerful than anything you could get a prescription for, and they are all waiting to respond to our thoughts. In fact, our bodies have an endogenous (in house) cannabinoid system that is just waiting to produce these feel good chemicals when we find equilibrium in our sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. What is a cannabinoid system? Cannabinoids are found in the cannabis or marijuana plant, however they are also found in the human body and brain. We have Cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body that are specifically designed to receive these cannabinoids. Based on my experience, I think our bodies will produce cannabinoids much like the ones found in Cannabis or Marijuana, when we are able to find the right states of physical and mental equilibrium. Yes, these can make us feel "high". (In fact, I feel high right now..hahahaha :) Scientists have also isolated a chemical in recent years they have named Anandamide (Ananda means bliss), it is a chemical that we can produce in our bodies to create states of euphoric bliss. Yes, we were designed to feel good... for free :)
Of course, we have to take care of our bodies mentally and physically to reap the benefits.. There are practices that have been around for thousands of years to help us do just that. Yoga, meditation, eating living foods and sound therapy to name a few.. but there are many, many more. Anything that helps the body and mind to truly find a space of relaxation can start this series of positive effects. YOU HOLD THE KEY.
For sound downloads click here.
Just a personal note: There is nothing new under the sun. I am just attempting to present info. here that has helped me. I hope to present it in a clear way based on my experience with anxiety which was a spiritual, psychological and emotional awakening for me. In retrospect of this experience I have been reading as much as I could to come to a deeper and more grounded understanding of this seemingly mystical thing that happened to me (so that I could share it with you). I'm not a doctor or a scientist. Please know this is only my experience. Yours will obviously be different, but since my experience was so similar to others I've talked to, I am hoping this may be helpful or useful to you in some way. It's also a way that I hope to share my love with you. That is my purpose here.
Physiologically speaking, I am both the experiencer and producer of stress.
What does this mean exactly? It means that my reaction to probably 99% of the things that I would classify as stress are completely preventable based on how I perceive and react to
them.
Next time you notice yourself in a stressful or even slightly uncomfortable situation, take note of your body's physical reactions. For example, say I'm about to speak in public, suddenly I notice my throat is a little clinched and my mouth becomes a bit drier, my palms are sweating a bit more. What is happening? I am reacting to my own self imposed stress based on my perception of the situation. By stopping to take a breath and take inventory of the situation, maybe I can gain a little insight into why I am producing this response. In most cases I find that I am sabotaging myself and reacting to something in my subconscious mind that really has nothing to do with the reality of the present situation. Public speaking is an easy example. I remember dreading having to get up and talk to the class in school. What are people thinking? Will I sound dumb? Have I prepared enough etc etc... The truth is I have know idea what people are thinking and as long as I believe in what I am saying, why should I care if it sounds dumb to anyone? Perhaps, if they react negatively it has nothing to do with me really and maybe they are reacting to some subconscious issue they have? Who knows? There could be a ton of varying examples along these lines. Start paying attention to the small physical sensations that you feel in your body during any type of interaction that happens in your life, especially your closest relationships. They are all trying to say something. (What it is it? That's for each of us to uncover.) A lot of times, I find that these thoughts and responses are responses to the "ego mind". That's the small voice that says I might not be good enough, or that there is not enough good things to go around in the world.. or that I won't find love.. etc..etc.. etc.. Don't listen. It's always asking us to choose fear over Love. Sometimes it's very subtle, sometimes it's not. Let go of the ego and feel good.
The point is to focus the awareness inward on our mental world and the corresponding physical sensations and to short circuit the negative cycle of stress before it starts. It might take practice, but the only one who can do this is me...(or you, in your case). Meditation has helped me a lot for creating the mental space to observe these reactions and feelings and then choose how I want to react, mentally and physically.
The flip side of this equation is that we also hold the key to happiness and bliss.
Physiologically speaking, I am both the experiencer and producer of bliss.
Inside of our bodies is a storehouse of chemicals as powerful than anything you could get a prescription for, and they are all waiting to respond to our thoughts. In fact, our bodies have an endogenous (in house) cannabinoid system that is just waiting to produce these feel good chemicals when we find equilibrium in our sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. What is a cannabinoid system? Cannabinoids are found in the cannabis or marijuana plant, however they are also found in the human body and brain. We have Cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body that are specifically designed to receive these cannabinoids. Based on my experience, I think our bodies will produce cannabinoids much like the ones found in Cannabis or Marijuana, when we are able to find the right states of physical and mental equilibrium. Yes, these can make us feel "high". (In fact, I feel high right now..hahahaha :) Scientists have also isolated a chemical in recent years they have named Anandamide (Ananda means bliss), it is a chemical that we can produce in our bodies to create states of euphoric bliss. Yes, we were designed to feel good... for free :)
Of course, we have to take care of our bodies mentally and physically to reap the benefits.. There are practices that have been around for thousands of years to help us do just that. Yoga, meditation, eating living foods and sound therapy to name a few.. but there are many, many more. Anything that helps the body and mind to truly find a space of relaxation can start this series of positive effects. YOU HOLD THE KEY.
Just a personal note: There is nothing new under the sun. I am just attempting to present info. here that has helped me. I hope to present it in a clear way based on my experience with anxiety which was a spiritual, psychological and emotional awakening for me. In retrospect of this experience I have been reading as much as I could to come to a deeper and more grounded understanding of this seemingly mystical thing that happened to me (so that I could share it with you). I'm not a doctor or a scientist. Please know this is only my experience. Yours will obviously be different, but since my experience was so similar to others I've talked to, I am hoping this may be helpful or useful to you in some way. It's also a way that I hope to share my love with you. That is my purpose here.