In a recent conversation with a friend, we were talking about practical ways we attempt to keep ourselves grounded when life tends to feel like it's getting out of control. Often that happens because of circumstances beyond our control, but we still have to figure out how to navigate our way through them.  As we talked together, he shared a very simple plan with me that he uses for himself that involves three simple steps. It was really powerful so I thought I would share those 3 Steps with you!

Step 1 - Breathe

This is the simple act of just slowing down and giving our bodies a moment to settle. It reminded me of one of the basic practices I learned from the Center for Mind Body Medicine several years ago, soft-belly breathing.  This practice of taking just one minute to breathe in through our nose and out through our mouth while we work to make all of our body relaxed, including making our belly soft, can help to regulate our nervous system.  I was so glad he reminded me of that because I often forget that if I will just breathe, it WILL help!

Step 2 - Look Up

This is the practice of shifting our focus and remembering there are bigger issues of life than whatever has us tied up in knots at the moment. For my friend, this step helps him connect to his family and his faith. He reminds himself there are larger things in life that are important and bring meaning, value ,and purpose to his life.  I was so thankful for this reminder too, because it is easy to get so focused on just this problem right in front of me, I lose sight of the larger picture.  By taking this step of looking up, I am reminded of that bigger picture.

Step 3 - Reengage

After my friend has had time to breathe and been able to look up and see the bigger picture of his life, he is then ready to reengage with whatever this is in front of him, but he does it with a renewed sense of purpose in his life.  For example, for him (and also myself), he values trying to be a person who acts from a place of fundamental love in the world. So, having taken time to slow down and gain some perspective, he can then reengage in the problem he is facing from that place of his fundamental values.  Again, what a great reminder for me!  It's so easy when I am trouble shooting or reacting to an immediate problem that I can allow my emotions to override my values, but I would much rather be a person who lives from my values than let my emotions guide me.

How do these 3 Steps impact you? Is there something you are facing right now that it could be helpful to engage in them so you can refocus? What is your version of Step 1 - taking time to breathe and letting your body settle?  How about step 2? What brings you perspective and guides you in seeing a bigger picture in your life? And what about Step 3? What are some of your core values that you are trying to live by in the world and how could you reengage with those values in mind?

Here's to taking these 3 Steps this week!

Be Well,

Stephen

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