In a world that is disconnected it would make sense that we not only feel disconnected with the people around us but also with ourselves. Oftentimes my clients will talk about feeling like they are cut off from their bodies, their feelings, and report instead a sense of fogginess or numbness.
This is a normal experience for people who feel overwhelmed, who have experienced trauma, and/or for people who are living with chronic stress. At some point it is just too much and our survival mechanisms kick in..we compartmentalize, we avoid, we distract. The problem here isn’t our need to take a break from our challenges but rather our inability to stay connected to ourselves and others during this process of dosing.
We don’t get to pick and choose where we connect any more then we can pick and choose our feelings. You are either connected or you are not. You are either open to the rainbow of feelings or you are not.
Start to build you ability to feel AND stay connected by practicing mindful walking, driving, and eating. The process of being in the moment encourages connection. After all, you can’t be in the moment if you are worried about the past or the future.
Here are some mindful exercises:
Notice 5 things in the room the color blue, green, yellow, etc…
Name 5 things you hear in the room.
Name 5 things you hear outside the room.
Engage your senses as you walk: what does the sun feel like on your skin? What do the leaves sounds like as they move in the wind? What do you see? What do you smell?
The process of coming home is challenging because it may force us to feel feelings we haven’t felt in a long time. It’s okay. The tide will go back out and you will have more room to tackle the next thing.
