When it all feels too much: resourcing our nervous systems

Hello friends,

Everyday life carries its own triggers and challenges, even before we take in what’s happening in the wider world.

I’d love to share a few simple practices that I’ve been gifted over the years by many wonderful teachers—practices that can help soothe raw nerves and offer some steadiness when things feel shaky or unsafe.

I’m thinking of these as a kind of medicine bag for uncertain times: gentle, accessible ways to support ourselves when we feel overwhelmed, anxious, or ungrounded. My hope is that some of these practices may be a support to you, becoming resources that you can turn to, whenever you need.

Please take what feels helpful and leave the rest. These are invitations, not prescriptions, and I fully honour your own wisdom, preferences, and pacing.

1: GROUND

Begin each morning with a 10 minute grounding movement practice.

This can help to remind your nervous system of the solid ground and support that's here, now. Explore gentle Yoga, Qigong, or anything that feels rhythmic, steadying and good to you.

2: BREATHE

Pause, and place your hands on your chest and belly, and breathe.

Explore filling your chest and hands with your breath. This can help to slow down any nervous system activation and bring us more towards a parasympathetic, rest and digest state.

3: RAIN

Explore Tara Brach's R.A.I.N approach: radical self-compassion.

RECOGNISE- begin by noticing what's here now, and how you are. ALLOW this to be, just as it is. INQUIRE into it, body, heart and mind. NURTURE, and see what this place in you needs- giving yourself a hug, or compassionate self talk, for example.

4: CONNECT

Reach out to someone you trust, and share what's in your heart.

We are the human mammal, and we evolved as social beings. When we listen to one another with care, we can help to co-regulate ( soothe) our nervous systems. You might also like to join a group that offers a safe sanctuary to you.

5: RE-WILD

Go to nature. Drop into your senses- of touch, smell, sight, sound.

Find something to touch- a tree, the sand, the grass. Explore textures, sensations, and sights. Listen for any whisperings or guidance from the land. Let yourself be re-woven back into this wider web of life.

6: CREATE

Explore art-making, journalling, poetry writing, dance.

Give expression to your feelings through creative expression. It can be messy or angry, peaceful and inspiring. Just let what's in your soul be expressed. You might like to create cards from these practices, adding your own images and other resources if you'd like. Pick one card at random, and let this guide you.

7: COMMUNE

Gather a candle and a sacred object, to commune with the Mystery.

You might like to create an altar that you can meditate with daily. Or, pick an object the represent " The Friend' as Rumi called it. let yourself open a conversation with the object- pour out your concerns, and ask the Friend for wise counsel.

Briefly, on the nervous system

In unsettled times, our nervous systems can feel stretched, raw and tender. We can be triggered into the ancient survival responses of fight/flight/ freeze/ fawn- tipping us into overdrive, escape, shutdown, or pleasing others.

The practices I’m sharing are ways of finding steadier ground again — inviting more presence, compassion, and a sense of refuge within. They have made a profound difference in my own life, and it’s my hope that they may offer support and nourishment to you, too.

One last note....on TIME

Time brings its own medicine and in its own way. Martin Luther King Jr once said, "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.". It is a reminder that whether on the global stage or in our own lives, this too shall pass.

Sending love to you

across the waves,

Aisling