STEP BACK
which means
1. PULL BACK - from this moment -NOW(!)
and PUT YOUR FOCUS on THE NEXT FEW BREATHS...
2. Then...ENGAGE YOUR RIDER (i.e., think!)...
3. LOOK AT:
What is really happening here?
4. And now DECIDE:
What can I do, at least for now, to best address this...
START with "0" on the Inhale...
...then say (silently to yourself) "1" on the Exhale,
and then "2" on the next Inhale...
..."3" on the Exhale, and so on...
When you get to "10" (an inhale) use "0" on the Exhale...and continue with "1" on the Inhale...
..."2" on the Exhale and so on...
...finishing this second count with "10" as the exhale.
______
Good! Now return to the "AND THEN CONSIDER" menu below and decide what next to do...
GET GROUNDED
Name 5 objects you can see...
Name 4 kinds of transportation...
Name 3 places you'd like to visit...
Name 2 shows you liked as a kid ...
Name 1 childhood friend...
______
Good! Now return to the "AND THEN CONSIDER" menu below and decide what next to do...
HEALTHY DIVERSION...
means doing something that requires mindful engagement.
For example: reading (just about anything); watching a favorite movie; playing a game, whether board, card, or video; engaging a hobby (i.e., something you like to do, such as gardening, baking, painting); or cleaning(!).
A WORKOUT...
that involves heavy, intense exercise can make one feel a whole lot better.
Actually - just going for a walk can make you feel better...
THEIR-CARE...
is another way to engage in healthy diversion. More on this here...
REMIND YOURSELF...
...of some enduring truths:
1. Time passes, things change...tomorrow will be different...
2. Conflict and struggle are part of life...and they do make us stronger...
3. You really can - YOU...REALLY...CAN - make a difference.
4. In our reactions we don't have much say - it's all Elephant...and it's going to be fight/flight/freeze/or fuck it. But the critical question becomes, "What's our Rider (going) to do?"