I was recently asked to talk about words that inspire me during times of stress. Here are my thoughts about various words and why I choose them to bring balance back into my life.
 

This is not an easy question to answer since my response is different on different days depending on what I am experiencing, where I am and what I am doing. My goal is to stay centered and balanced, but like all of us, sometimes I choose to bring out my tool box of self-care skills to help me through a rough patch of emotion.

Once I realize my emotions are not going away easily, I take action. The first thing I usually do is quiet my mind using meditative breathing. I love the 10 breath qi gong (page 42 Pathways to Wholeness) … I take ten in and out breaths counting 1 on the in-breath and 2 on the out-breath ... and then repeat the sequence until my body responds with comforting relaxation.

I seldom use words as affirmations before my body has responded positively to my breathing, and I am sure that I am centered within my energy field. When you and I are emotionally, spiritually or physically stressed we lose our center. If I have drifted one direction or another, I do some heart chakra spins or some other quieting exercise to regain centeredness. (Directions for a heart chakra spin are below)

Once I feel balanced and centered, I add words to the relaxation process. Before relaxation, my words emanate from my frustration or some other stress. After relaxation my mind is quiet and clear and my words come from a positive place. When I allow the words to come softly into my consciousness, they are words of deep meaning and therefore very helpful, supportive and healing.

The words I use as affirmations to alleviate stress are always positive. Words that remind me of pleasant life experiences that create an automatic smile and words that remind me of someone I deeply love and trust soothe and comfort me. My words are always similar to these: playful, musical, gentle, tender, loving, encouraging, safe, caring, calm, and peaceful. These words, and other similar words, speak to my inner most needs. Your words are unique to you, nourish your deepest needs and represent your life experiences.

On page 93 in my mindfulness handbook, Pathways to Wholeness, you'll find a list of virtues that represent positive aspects of self. Use the list to choose your affirmative words and gradually construct a list of your own … words that support your healing journey.

Directions for a Heart Chakra Spin

A heart chakra spin is used for calming and moving troubling ideas and feelings out of our hearts, minds and energy field.

Using your right hand place it over the center of your chest. Begin to move your hand in a clockwise direction. Using imagery, the clock rests on your chest with the numbers facing out into the room. Number twelve is top center. Begin at number twelve and move your hand left down and around and back up to twelve in a circle. Continue to circle in this manner. As you circle your hand, repeat calming words quietly to yourself. An affirmation like this one will work too: Even though I feel really (your emotions) about (what is bothering you), I deeply and completely love, accept and forgive myself.