The Dalai Lama, when asked what surprised him most about humanity, answered “Man. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived.”

If we can take a deep breath in and first acknowledge that we have over whelming stress every day – then that’s the first step in awareness.

Once we are aware, then we can take powerful steps in managing it; easing it; eliminating it; and moving beyond it!!!

First let’s define it – STRESS is how we respond each day to not having our needs met.

There are four main emotional needs:
• attention
• affection
• appreciation
• acceptance

And then there’s our inability to embrace uncertainty. For most people, this is their biggest stressor. Often, we need to gain some clarity or certainty on something and our lack of certitude drives us crazy. Sometime – even if it is unpleasant news – once we have a bit more information – our stress subsides. But that’s not so easy when things aren’t going the way you anticipated.

We have three options:

1) Force things into the way they were “supposed” to be. (It rarely turns out well.)

2) Gain greater clarity, control or influence over the situation (It helps a bit, but once we adapt to the new situation, we have a new, evolved stress.)

3) Accept the moment as perfect and part of the divine plan (This one is the hardest, but the most rewarding.)

When we can access a state of deep relaxation, tension is released from the body on a physical level and our mind begins to use less power and ultimately switches off, creating a pure state of restful awareness.

As we dip into stillness and silence each day, we release less stress-hormones namely adrenalin, glucagon, and cortisol; our heart rate and blood pressure slow; and our immune system elevates. We have an increase in serotonin (a natural feel-good chemical) and in growth hormone which nourishes and repairs cells and tissue.

The reality is that we don’t need to feel stress every day – even when life is overwhelming. We can proactively, lower the impact stress has on our bodies and minds. And through daily meditation, we will return to our most whole, relaxed, grounded, healthy, and healed state.

Feel free to use today’s meditation to begin the process or take you back to your most genuine harmonious balanced self. Enjoy!! -davidji