In these times of increased stress and upheaval, I think it is important to remember that petting a dog can lower the stress hormone, cortisol and at the same time increase the feel-good hormone oxytocin in both the dog and the human. Petting a dog can also release endorphins which can create feelings of happiness and relaxation.
If you don’t have a dog, or you are not near a dog you can recreate the same effect by recalling in full detail a time when you had a great experience of petting a dog. What I am talking about is not just remembering the incident with you mind but allowing yourself to resubmerge yourself into the previous experience. You will know you have accomplished the task when you feel yourself slide effortlessly from stress or overwhelm into a peaceful, content and sometimes joy filled moment.
This is because the mind cannot tell the difference between when you are petting a dog or when you are recreating the previous situation with full sensory awareness. This is a technique that athletes use often in preparation for an upcoming challenge.
I am suggesting that you draw on this technique during these challenging times to keep your mind clear, your heart open, and keep you from getting pulled into the downward spiral of these trying times.
If you would like some help remembering how you can effectively use this technique to reduce stress and prevent getting sucked into a negative downward spiral,
I suggest you explore the I Create What I Believe (ICWIB) program where my friend Luke will demonstrate the ICWIB activities and/or attend the FREE Drawing in the Now classes that are taught by Nancy Marie over Zoom the first and third Monday of the month from 4:30 pm-5:00 pm PST.
To view archived classes or for more information about the FREE Drawing in the Now Classes
visit: https://icreatewhatibelieve.com/drawing-in-the-now/
For more information about the ICWIB Online Training Program
visit https://icreatewhatibelieve.com/online-training/
If you would like to leave a comment for Alex regarding his Insights,
please visit our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/
or you can email Alex at Alex@icreatewhatibelieve.com
In a recent interview Dr. Bruce Lipton said, “…Freedom is the ability to create without the limitation of generational programming. The I Create What I Believe! (ICWIB!) Program is a gateway and a pathway into a new and better future because it allows children and (adults) to fully express themselves and to not be limited by the beliefs that have been passed down from generation to generation. This program also frees up children’s and (adults’) minds and allows their creative nature to create a better world for all of us, which is what we need right now!”
