Can You Soften?

— By Amy Thorpe

What a challenging time it has been for Houstonians.  First news of the Rodeo closing early, followed by the cancellation of March Madness and postponement of MLB, and now toilet paper is in short supply!  Like you, I can feel the stress in my body as my shoulders rise to my ears, my back bends, and my teeth clench. I read an article in the Houston Chronicle recently that outlines a technique to mitigate this stress.  Start by asking your body and mind, “Can I soften?”

When I ask myself this, my connective tissue answers! I feel my face start to relax, my fists open, and shoulders roll back.  I begin to feel more space, and I breathe more deeply. I find I can release some of the tension, ground myself, and prepare to tackle the next challenge. 

The next few weeks will likely continue to be stressful. Take time to explore how you can soften your body and calm your mind.  Our community is strong, and we will weather this storm too. Take care of yourselves!