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A Subtle Stress Solution
Marissa Perez
I have been seeing the same chiropractor for years now. He
has this fancy table with hydraulics to help maximize the
adjustments he performs. It is effective but it also makes
some loud noises that can startle a person, especially when
combined with the earsplitting cracking coming from my back
or neck! I have learned to adapt to the situation, though,
because the positive results are hard to dispute. In fact,
I have even learned a technique that helps me in other aspects
of my life where I may be nervous or anxious in anticipation
of something that may cause discomfort or pain.
My chiropractor uses a trick to help me relax before he performs
an adjustment. While I am laying on my back waiting for him
to adjust my neck for example he can clearly see that I am
tensing up. He gently says, "Wiggle your toes for me." As
I concentrate on moving my toes, he instantly adjusts my neck.
Even though I know the trick, it still works every time! And
it always makes me smile. It is a way of surrendering when
resistance has no constructive purpose (as if it ever does).
I have started to see that if I "wiggle my toes" in other
situations, it also helps me relax. For example, if I am donating
blood and waiting for the technician to insert my blood-drawing
needle thing (this is a no jargon zone), I focus on happily
wiggling my toes, remembering which socks I am wearing, noticing
where my feet feel warm or cold, and so on. Before I know
it, it's in and I am past the scary moment in the alienating
clinical setting and feel at ease in spite of the surroundings.
I have also used it when I am in a meeting and I am not sure
when to jump in or say something and I have that generalized
feeling of, "How am I going to contribute here? What can I
add?" I wiggle my toes and remember to breathe. This helps
me actually listen to what others are saying versus constructing
my hopefully brilliant commentary. Wiggling my toes helps
me feel grounded and remember that sometimes the smartest
and most powerful thing you can do is to listen attentively
with 100% presence. And if you manage to do that, the odds
of saying something brilliant, or at least relevant, greatly
increase!
Eckart Tolle has said in the Power of Now series that the
body loves our attention. By bringing our focus back into
the body and really being present in the body, we feel more
energized and more peaceful. Ideally, you would do a deep
meditation or visualization that involves mentally going through
your whole body, being aware of all sensations, cherishing
your cells, blood, muscles, and brain synapses while inhaling
the aromas of lavender and rosemary. But if you don't have
time for that, wiggle your toes! Your body will thank you
for it and so will your overactive mind.
Copyright 2006, 2007 Relational Sensibilities
Marissa Nordstrom Perez is a freelance writer in
Albuquerque, New Mexico. Visit www.relationalsensibilities.com
Article Source: http://www.upublish.info
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