STRESS? Step 2: Be Present!

I remember one of my most difficult panic attacks. We had been struggling with a lack of money for a really long time. Long ago, we had given up all the 'special' things like movies, dinner out, or going to the mall. So, my mom and sister took me out to a nice lunch as a special treat.

We had just been seated and began looking over the menu. As my eyes scrolled across selection and prices, this wave of fear rolled up from deep within my belly and I began to panic. Suddenly, I just wanted to get up and run from the restaurant. It was like in the movies when the character imagines themself somewhere else. In my mind, I was running down the street - running away, away, away. But my sensible self realized that first of all I would embarrass myself and my family if I just jumped up and ran out. Secondly, there was nowhere to run. No matter where I ran to, there I would be. I would still be myself. I would still have my panic attack. And money would still be an issue.

So, what did I do? First, I began to breathe - slow, deep breaths. I focused on getting my fear to move into my breath, and out of my body. Second, I brought my attention to the moment at hand and looked around me. I forced myself to hear the 'small talk' my mom and sister were making. Consciously turning my eyes, I took notice of the details in front of me: the table, the forks, the plate and glass of water. In my head, I reminded myself ‘You are safe. Good food is. It is warm in here. You are surrounded by people who love you.’ As I focused on the moment at hand, as I became fully present, the panic began to leave.

Making myself become fully present in the moment at hand, broke the huge unmanageable situation down into manageable pieces of time. Often, I could only handle one, two or three seconds at a time. Other times, I could manage an hour or even a day. Rarely could I deal with thinking about the week, much less a month ahead. As time went on, I developed stronger inner skills at managing the panic. I learned to master my fear. I learned to live strong in the moment, and not allow outside circumstances to determine my happiness. In truth, those many years of panic were one of the greatest gifts my soul has received. I live stronger and happier today, because of the skills I developed during such a terrifying time.

By focusing on the moment, I could remind myself I was safe. I could appreciate what was around me - the people I loved, beauty and nature, shelter and clothing. I knew this might not be the life I wanted, but I was alive to create another day. The one constant in the universe is change. So what I was living today, could change in an instant tomorrow. We lost our income overnight, but we had each other. The love, the companionship, the sharing, and yes even the arguing could be gone tomorrow. Everything, including money, comes and goes. But love, the memories that come with love, lasts forever. Be in the moment, and focus on being grateful for the things in life you do have. Decide to take away the power that money has over your happiness.

One of my best Formulas to help calm you when feeling fear or panic, is Present Moment. Present Moment is about being right here, right now. It supports the body, mind and emotions to be calm. It helps to warm the heart and find it easier to feel grateful. When the big picture is overwhelming, Present Moment helps you slow things down into manageable pieces. read more about Present Moment...