HOW TO REDUCE STRESS IN 60 SECONDS OR LESS

I’ve just posted a video on Facebook on a practice we use here at EBI called Surround Sound. You may have read about it in a blog I posted last November (earthbasedinstitute.org/2017/11/30/learning-to-listen/).

LISTEN IN ALL DIRECTIONS

When you listen in all directions, in 360-degree awareness, when you really tune into and pay attention to your surroundings – both sides, in front and back, above and below you – when you start to listen out beyond what is pulling on your focus and attention, when you really reach out with your awareness, you’ll find that something starts to shift internally.

You might start to notice that your awareness of other senses kicks in, like your sense of touch (feeling the air on your skin), or your sense of taste or smell. With your eyes open, relax and go into a wide angle, soft gaze as opposed to focusing on what’s right in front of you.

REACH BEYOND WHAT’S IN FRONT OF YOU

It’s all about reaching out beyond what is happening right in front of you. When you do, you are tuning into the present moment – yes there are the immediate noises, but what else might be happening in this present moment that you’re aware of?

Give yourself between 15 and 60 seconds to concentrate on the sensory input that’s beyond the immediate area around you. Start to notice what happens internally to your nervous system as you do that.

BENEFICIAL EFFECT ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

Throughout the day I am required to use much of my energy focusing on what’s happening right in front of me with work or my kids. Taking that short moment to disconnect from what’s happening right in front of me, taking the time to tune into more of my environment, creates a relaxing state within. An internal shift washes through me as my stress levels go way down almost immediately.

GIVE IT A TRY

Do Surround Sound in real time as you listen to Michael’s live feed on Facebook. [Insert link to FB]

Go a bit further and register for our mini program. It only costs  $27 and includes five learning modules. Each one offers a different tool to practice that is easy to follow and apply. The combination of these tools will deepen your connection to nature, your self and support a resilient nervous system. An added benefit is that enrollment includes access to other participants and EBI instructors.

Forgive me for not giving you the direct link  – we are in the process of revamping and giving it a new name. Click here to go to the EBI home page and scroll down a bit til you see it. You can sign up at any time.

I look forward to connecting with you as you connect with nature.