How it presents 

You know those days when you walk in and within the first five minutes you are being scolded, you are being torn in five different directions, you are being handed a list of projects, you are being told you were right by your boss when your colleague told you the day before that you were wrong! You immediately feel tense, as if you've been thrown to the wolves.

Some of it is what they say, some of it is how they say it, some of it is mountains that have been made out of molehills, some of it is no big deal at all, some of it’s nonexistent but it’s being made into a hypothetical big deal and it never even comes to fruition. The possibility that someone or everyone might have to work hard does not automatically mean that day is a catastrophe. Do you want to live every day like that? Absolutely not. Does anyone purposely sabotage the day? No. However, now and then some kittens need to be seen that same day and can’t wait. Other scheduling conflicts seem to appear on the surface like they might be problematic.  

Regardless of what the situation is you guys know what I’m talking about. You just walk in and for one reason or 100, shit hit the fan and you’re annoyed. 

What to do?

Reset, realign, recharge. 

• Neutralize. Slow the merry-go-round. Go into a room by yourself, lights off if you can. Reduce any stimuli you can. Excuse yourself to the bathroom, an office, an exam room, the kennel, go outside to go into your car.

I don’t mean for you to do that in the heat of the moment (like while customers are staring at you or as an emergency is needing all hands on deck.) As soon as you can get your bearings and your feet under you -that’s when you step aside. Put out as many fires as you possibly can and then swiftly exit. Usually, within an hour things are under control just enough to facilitate this.

• Close your eyes.

• Breathe.

• Massage your neck and your traps.

• Bring your awareness to your breath. 

Feel it, in its entirety. Simply take notice of whether it’s fast or slow heavy or light if it is shallow or deep. No controlling. Feel it in your chest or in your throat. Take inventory- is your throat tight? Is your chest tight? Feeling your breath in your nose, feel it in your belly. 

• Take 3 deep breaths into the belly and then the chest and release.

• Focus on the word reset. Repeat it silently or out loud reset reset reset reset reset reset. 

• Open up and bring yourself into a state of being that will support you as you move forward in your day. Coming back, more effective, calmer, creative, engaged, compassionate, understanding, resourceful, mindful, with your best self leading through love and not anger. 

You have stopped the negative tailspin that would have attracted more negative.  If this resonates with you, or for guided meditations to bring you into the moment, check out these resources.

You, my friends, will shine for yourself and light up the path for others.