​We’ve just entered March, and I fully feel the pull of busyness and distraction that will send us hurtling even further into 2018 before we know it. Perhaps your schedule, too, is filling up with various events and gatherings and obligations. I have to regularly remind myself to pause and to allow each day to be its own, rather than a fraction of a countdown.  It takes effort, and hopefully you are creating space for stillness as well. To that end, I offer the following to feel rested, restored, and resourced for these days and every day.
 
Find a quiet space.
This can be anywhere. You’ll want to have a wall (or headboard) clear and make sure you can keep the lights dim.  Naturally, this means lights out for cell phones too.
 
Prepare
Make sure you have a support  (such as a yoga mat, or use your bed) to lie back upon and blankets, socks, sweatshirt if you tend to get cold. Take your time to make it comfortable. (Hint: pretend you are setting it up for someone you love!)
 
Come into position.
You can stay resting with knees bent, feet flat, or try “legs up the wall” pose.  For that option, take one hip to the wall and then swing your legs up the wall. Don’t over think it – find the position that feels the most appropriate and then lie back on your back. Notice if you find you need to make any adjustments from there (maybe shifting hips forward or back) and give yourself that time to shift. Your hands can rest on your abdomen or by your sides, whichever is most comfortable. It may feel nice to have a cushion or pillow rest on your low abdomen, with your hands on top.  Legs can stay straight or take the soles of the feet together, knees wide: Your choice!
 
Stay
Scan your body and notice any tension. Imagine smoothing it out with the breath. Set a timer if you need to – it may help to support allowing yourself the opportunity to rest!  Give this practice a go. What benefits do you reap? 

​-Maureen Kelleher, ATR, LPC

Feeling Stuck?
 
On the other side of the spectrum from fearing change are those instances where we are so anxious for change to occur; we feel our mood dip and our motivation drain away. These are the times we may feel stagnant or stuck.
 
It can happen in so many ways. Perhaps this has happened in a job situation; you are no longer experiencing excitement and growth and you find yourself deep in the cycle of Sunday evening panic and Friday afternoon elation every week.  Or, in a relationship, you are struggling to move past challenges and conflict and can’t seem to find the way ahead. Maybe, instead, it’s emotion that feels stuck, whether grief, sorrow, or anger.
 
Experiencing “stuckness,” may be what leads us to seek a therapist to collaborate in journeying toward goals. That said, a key component to this process is collaboration, and there are steps you can take to start to feel more ease. Consider the following in beginning to move forward:
 
Clarifying
Become clear about what you do want rather than focusing on what you don’t want. You can use journaling, art-making, and meditation or self-reflection to support this effort. Did you discover you already have some of the qualities or things you want within the current situation? Take a moment of gratitude and then set your course for attaining the rest.
 
Goal-setting
Start small and make each goal measurable and attainable. Hold yourself accountable (and your therapist can help with this too!) by checking off steps you have completed and revising those that no longer fit. Make sure to write your goals using impactful, positive language. (For example, starting with “I am ” rather than “I’ll try” or “I won’t.”)
 
Becoming Aware
Keep in mind the things you are telling yourself along the process. Just as you did in the clarifying process, consider keeping a journal or a list of things for which you are grateful. Notice, without judgment, what happens when you start to feel discouraged. Take a deep breath. Reset. Tell yourself something positive. Notice what you can do rather than what you can’t.
 
Get Moving
Literally – move! Take a walk, go to a yoga class, do some gentle stretches to ease tension. Feeling stuck emotionally or mentally can lead to feeling stuck physically. Endorphins from physical activity will support your overall efforts. Keep your body in mind and consider how you fuel yourself.
 
It may be helpful to remind yourself of times you have been in this place before and succeeded. Consider seeking support, knowing that others have been here too.  Keep your vision in mind – undoubtedly, its realization is just ahead.

-Maureen Kelleher, ATR, LPC
​