Massage & Bodywork

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2020

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C h e c k o u t A B M P P o c k e t P a t h o l o g y a t w w w. a b m p . c o m / a b m p - p o c k e t - p a t h o l o g y - a p p . 23 CONTROL CENTER One of the key features of an optimized immune system is accurately ferreting out what is innate and helpful versus what is foreign and pathological. Our lymphatic system is constantly filtering through all our cellular debris to discover and determine what is to be kept in circulation and what needs to be discarded. If this system goes awry, we won't be protected from pathogens, or conversely, our immune system may mount an unnecessary and catastrophic autoimmune response. In the same vein, our brain can sometimes go awry by inaccurately focusing on nonthreats and things we have no control over, triggering anxiety, exaggerated fears, and out-of-control worry and doubt. Modern-day humans invest an inordinate amount of time and vexation focusing on things we can't control. We aren't referring to control in terms of oppression, but as something we can instantly change. As much as I'd love to be able to, I can't control (instantly change) how my spouse feels; if my client will feel better after a session; or if a marketing campaign I launch will reap increased revenue. But I can control (instantly change) how I express myself to my spouse; how present and attentive I am throughout my therapeutic sessions; and if I choose to enjoy the process of creating, polishing, and sending out a marketing campaign. When my actions become obfuscated by investing effort in the uncontrollable, I subjugate my free will into the victim role, rife with complaint, blame, and criticism. Accurately distinguishing between what I can and cannot control in the moment is a profound way to reallocate wasted energy in a world full of uncontrollables and refocus my attention on what I can reliably impact. Letting go of what we cannot change also diminishes our stress levels and can reduce feelings of anxiety, worry, and nervousness. Below is a list of things we believe are uncontrollable (we can't change instantly). We invite you to take a deep breath before and after you read each item and notice how you experience the item in your body before moving on to the next item. By listening and favoring your body's sensations in response to these items—rather than the stories or judgments your mind makes up about them—you begin to activate the truth detector provided by your body intelligence. What I can't control: • I can't control whether other people wear a face mask. • I can't control how other people feel. • I can't control what's on the news. Now it's your turn. Fill in the blanks with three different items: I can't control , , or . It's natural to notice resistance when encountering and trying on new ideas, though remember it's impossible to diminish resistance by fighting against it. To paraphrase Carl Jung, "What we resist persists." Following are a few things we can control. What I can control: • I can control when and where I wear a face mask. • I can control how well I sanitize my hands and space. • I can control how close I stand next to someone. Now it's your turn. Fill in the blanks with three different items: I can control , , and . Daily, we possess the power to instantly impact our thoughts, breath, and movements. We also have the power to transform the quality of our lives with a consistent practice of self-care. Self-care encompasses a wide range of practices that include movement, conscious breathing, meditation, journaling, exercise, eating nourishing foods, kind touch, family time, creating, daydreaming, connections with friends, prayer, napping, and so much more! Discovering and choosing to invest in a practice that works for you is one way to create certainty in uncertain times. Action is the antidote to anxiety. Refuse to be a victim of circumstance and activate your essence. Radiate your wholeness and resourcefulness so we may all benefit from you being you. Notes 1. Heidi Dickerson, Nitric Oxide and Mouth Breathing: Physiology You Want to Understand (Las Vegas: LVI Global, 2017), 2, accessed September 2020, www.lviglobal.com/wp-content/ uploads/2017/06/NitricOxideMouthBreathing.pdf. 2. Heidi Dickerson, Nitric Oxide and Mouth Breathing: Physiology You Want to Understand, 3. 3. Jonathan Goldman and Andi Goldman, The Humming Effect: Sound Healing for Health and Happiness (Rochester: Healing Arts Press, 2017), 6–18. Heath and Nicole Reed are co-founders of Living Metta or Living "Loving Kindness." The Reed's have been team teaching national and international workshops and retreats since 2001. They place a strong emphasis on growing body intelligence, intuition, and self-care. They invite you to join their membership community to inspire and refresh your practice. Their bodywork, self- care videos, webinars, home study courses, and more may be found at www.livingmetta.com. Watch "Creating Certainty in a World of Uncertainty"

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