The Specter of Fear

Abiding Reiki Newsletter for July


Let’s face it, wherever we look the world appears to be spinning out of control. Fear mongers are everywhere, and on the surface the fears appear justified. At this time we have oil prices running out of control, the specter of food shortages due to natural disasters, poor weather, and the unwise burning of food for fuel. There have been devastating floods in the Midwest which is the breadbasket of our country, violent and unusual tornados, and hurricanes. We have seen the almost total destruction of Mirimar, New Orleans, and other cities.
People are beginning to panic, and suddenly fringe survivalist groups are enjoying not only resurgence, but an acceptance in mainstream society. Many people have to tighten their belts financially and give up certain extras such as travel, eating out, and even new clothing.
In this atmosphere it is ever more important to find ways of counteracting stress. Rather than get caught up in fear, it is more important than ever to be grounded and calm. Learning to breath properly is an effective to relax and unwind. A reflex of fear and stress is often to hold one’s breath, and or to breathe shallowly from the chest rather than the belly. The fight or flight response raises adrenaline, and is a drain on the adrenal glands. This response also raises blood pressure, and muscles involuntarily tighten as they prepare to flee or defend. To illustrate how this works, next time there is a pressure or stress situation; try to take note of your body. Where are you feeling in your body? Where are you feeling this?
Simple belly breathing is not a hard concept, but one which will take some practice. Take two books, and put one on your chest, and one on your belly. Focus on long deep breathing, and pretend that your belly is a balloon. As you breathe you want your belly to inflate, and deflate. If you are doing this properly you will note that the book on your chest does not rise and fall as much as the book on your belly. Try breathing through your mouth, then making a slight O, leave your tongue at the roof of your mouth and slowly exhale. See what difference that makes in terms of how relaxed you feel. Breath in through your nose or mouth as slowly and calmly as you can. Extend your breathing patterns, but do not hyperventilate while attempting this.
Once you have the breathing down try these simple exercises:
Start at your feet, and then tighten them. Breathe in, then as you breathe out let the muscles of the feet go. Repeat this all the way up your body. Note the difference between tension and relaxation. What role is the deep breathing playing in that relaxation?
Breathe in, and as you breathe out, say or tone the word Om. Let your mind and bodies relax, and let the breath take you where it wants to go. If you drift off, this is fine. Be in the moment with the deep breathing and the sound of Om.
Spend fifteen minutes in the morning before you get up doing some deep breathing and again at night. This is a wonderful way to restore and refresh both body and spirit, and negate the effects of stress.