Stabilizing Strategies During Big Changes

Originally Written Aug 26 2022

With the waves of the water tiger year moving through our lives, many of us are called to adapt and thrive. When change is upon us and the resistance is strong, it can be very difficult. This year, we deepen our understanding of “going with the flow”…

Here are some strategies that can help to create stability in otherwise turbulent waters

Perhaps you are not at the place where you have consciously identified “this is me being called to make a change”. No problem, this is a good place to start. Notice the tensions in your life and body. What are they telling you? Is there a story being whispered to you as you rush through your day from one happening to the next?

Try writing. Just observe and notice and write. You can burn or delete it later, so just be honest. Stop editing in the moment and give yourself permission to be honest. Then read it. What have you discovered?

You may have identified some tensions or conundrums, or perhaps significant concerns. No need to panic. We want to take things SLOW. We want to cultivate time and space to reflect. Your system is sharing secrets with you. So just listen. Notice how you feel in and around your body. Speak aloud what sensations you are feeling in your body and where you are feeling those sensations.

Sometimes we feel too much, there are so many sensations that overwhelm takes hold, or perhaps it is all just so incredibly numb. This is a good time to build a deeper relationship with your body. The key to stability during change is avoiding the use of force. Force is a very specific tool, and we suggest you use it sparingly.

Consider:

• Somatic Experiencing or Somatic Practice

• Body-based breath work and counselling like THCL Mind Body Medicine, Integrative Body Psychotherapy or other similar modalities

• Healthy boundaries

• Learning more about your nervous system

• Neurofeedback

• EMDR or DBR

• Gentle exercise that focusses on embodiment

• Feldenkrais

• Homeopathic inquiry and remedy prescription

• Guided meditations (Plum Village is wonderful)

• Have some fun

• Spend time with people that love and support you

• Try something new

• Water therapies like bathing, hydrotherapy and lake swims

• Pleasure practice

• Make art

• Dance

• Sing, hum & make music

• Eat nourishing foods

• Self massage

• Enjoy sunrises, mid-day sun and sunsets

• Healthful routines: not too rigid, not too loose

• Reduce alcohol, stimulants, cannabis, unsafe sex, cigarettes, junk food and drugs

Perhaps the body gives you clues that it is in pain. When the body starts to unwind, so will the mind and emotions. This is part of healing. Consider body work that conceptualizes the system as a whole and practitioners that can hold space for all kinds of healing experiences.

The disclaimer… The amazing thing about humans is that we all have incomparably unique health profiles and needs. The health-related information contained in this article is intended to be general in nature and should not be used prescriptively or a as a substitute for a visit with a naturopathic doctor. This info is intended to offer general information to individuals. If you have questions about how these strategies could be used in adjunct to your current heath regime, book and appointment with us or consult a licensed naturopathic doctor for individualized care.