Emotional Triggers

I think we all have experienced getting emotionally overwhelmed from time to time, and sometimes we act out. It’s not good for us or anyone else if we do that. So, what should we do? A deep dive into what triggers our emotional response is the first step. Some can do this alone and others may need professional help. We are not alone. There is always help.

Once the triggers are identified then set a plan to keep away from them, or more realistically, learn techniques to handle these emotional responses.  Some of these techniques could be creating some space by walking away even for a few minutes. Try concentrating on breathing and being mindful of how the body is feeling. Sometimes petting or cuddling an animal can bring calm feelings. I’ve heard putting your hands in water and focusing on the feeling is very relaxing. And taking a walk and connecting to nature is a great way to clear the head. Find what works for you. And don’t forget to get enough sleep. The body so needs that rest and escape from the world.

That deep dive into the mind of why we get emotionally triggered is the most important step we can do for our self care.  Don’t ignore negative feelings. They won’t go away without positive action. We all need a little help to live a balanced and happy life.

“Empty yourself of everything – let the mind become still.” ~ Lao Tzu

Lose Yourself

There are times when you find yourself out in nature and you are compelled to lose yourself in the breathtaking environment. Maybe, like the picture above, you find yourself on a foggy beach and somehow the sight and the feel of the fog wrapping around you becomes comforting and safe. You dig your toes deep into the soft sand, and before you know it, the sea splashes over your bare feet and the icy cold water makes you jump like a giddy child. Immediately you feel so alive and one with your surroundings.

There are so many ways to connect with nature, and this is one of my favorites. Sometimes we just need to stop and take a breath, and let nature handle all the rest.

Finding Peace

Find your peace in quiet places that speak to you. Sometimes the world is cruel, and we need to take a break from all the noise and craziness. Cover yourself in love and nature’s beauty, and don’t forget to breathe. Tomorrow is another day.

“Lose yourself in nature and find peace.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Don’t let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.” ~ Dalai Lama

A Quiet Place

In a world that sometimes makes no sense, and even seems to have gone mad, it’s so important to find that quiet place. A place of calmness, safety, and beauty. A place to restore our sanity.

This quiet place can exist in the mind. Close your eyes and take a mini break from work, and a hectic life. Just breathe, and maybe envision a peaceful scene where stress doesn’t live.

An actual tiny oasis can be created outdoors with a few potted plants and a small fountain. Water is always very soothing to the soul. Or maybe just sit outside and watch the show nature can provide.

The important thing is “Balance,” and finding a way back to it. Constant stress is a killer no matter what kind of stress it is. The body needs love and care to more than just survive. It needs to thrive.

In taking care of ourselves we can do a much better job taking care of our loved ones, and even showing kindness and care to those we don’t know. When we feel peace everyone around us feels it too.

“Each Life needs its own quiet place.” ~ Melody Beattie

Connect

“Only this actual moment is life.” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

Let nature help you to connect and relax into the beauty of who you really are. There are so many times that stress enters our life and the holidays are one of those times. When you feel anxiety coming on think about taking a step back from this crazy world, and breathe. Sometimes we don’t see what’s there. Open your eyes and connect to all that surrounds you. There will always be good days and bad days, but this is life; embrace it. 

Don’t let stress rob you; stay present. Remember, each moment of life is so precious and should be used wisely. Dance, sing, laugh, go with the flow, and enjoy yourself. Nothing is, or has to be perfect.

Open your arms and feel connected to your life; it’s a beautiful thing.

Finding Wisdom

“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” ~ Socrates

We need to keep our eyes and ears open on this journey for the little bits of wisdom to be found. Nature provides it all the time, but we have to pay attention. The young and the old all around us speak volumes, but we have to listen. Yes, even the very young can be full of wisdom. We can learn a lot by simply watching children at play.

Wisdom is provided to help us on our journey. All that’s needed is to slow down and take it all in.

“Don’t gain the world and lose your soul; wisdom is better than silver or gold.” ~ Bob Marley

Dancing in the Light

Come out, come out, wherever you are and let’s dance in the light. Summer or winter nature has a way of rousing our spirits and chasing away the gloom far from our lives.

Stay out of the dark places of your mind and let nature heal. In the trees, flowers and bushes, oh the breathtaking beauty is everywhere lifting us higher and higher.

Get up, get out, and just breathe.

“We are stars wrapped in skin. The light you are seeking has always been within.” ~ Rumi

Ripples

Everything we do can have a ripple effect. The little acts of kindness, or meanness, the caring for nature, or trashing it. Literally how we act can have a ripple effect making deep imprints just like the ocean does along the sandy beach.

Let us all think before we act, and be the protectors of nature and all her beings, and the keepers of our planet.

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” ~ Mother Teresa

Rejoice into Your Life

If you are lucky to possess good health then you should rejoice everyday into your life. So it’s cold and raining or snowing. Bring that child living inside of you out into the open and jump into the rain puddles, and let the snow tickle your nose. Pay attention and see how each little snowflake has its own design. Marvel at nature. Breathe deep; this is life.

“Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure. Confidence is the greatest friend. Non-being is the greatest joy.” ~ Lao Tzu

Be kind to yourself, especially if you’re caring for a chronically ill human, or pet in your life. Caregivers get lost in the caring and forget about themselves. Sometimes depression sets in as constant worry and the workload take over. It’s hard to feel joy, or for that matter, feel anything. All warning signs to take better care of You and find help.

“A leaf fluttered in through the window this morning, as if supported by the rays of the sun. A bird settled on the fire escape. Joy in the task of coffee; joy accompanied me as I walked.” ~ Anais Nin

Joy is found in the little things. Get the rest you need, and feed your soul. If you can’t give to yourself you will be of no use to anyone that needs your help. A little bit of time to yourself will make you a new person filled with energy and happiness. Seek balance.

“I rejoice in what I have, and I greet the new with open arms.” ~ Louise Hay

Rejoice into this life you’ve been given, and live.

It Does Take a Village

“When I am talking about ‘It Takes a Village,’ I’m obviously not talking just about or even primarily about geographical villages any longer, but about the network of relationships and values that do connect us and binds us together.”
~ Hillary Clinton

Especially in today’s crazy world, children need all of us – parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors, teachers, etc. to guide them and help them to reach adulthood in one piece. They need to be taught not only manners and right from wrong, but to think outside the box, and to love and honor themselves and all of life’s beings. We need to teach them to put down their phones, and be one with nature. To walk gently upon the earth with love and kindness toward one another, and to be strong, but also bend in the wind like the trees.

“If every eight year old in the world is taught meditation, we will eliminate violence from the world within one generation.”
~ Dalai Lama

As adults we need to make time to listen to what children have to say. We need to reassure them that without judgment, they can always talk to us. In our busy lives we sometimes forget to listen. But also, as they become teens they like to push us away. Don’t let them no matter how hard it gets, because once they succeed, you’ve lost them forever.

“Listening is often the only thing needed to help someone.”
~ Author Unknown

Maybe, just maybe, we can make a difference with the present and future generations. But, we have to act now before it’s too late.