Welcome, friend. Are you a sensitive Soul? Is the political, planetary, and personal madness today a lot? Me too. If your nervous system gets whacked with totally legit worries about the future of the people we love, democracy, our planet, and our species, you’re not alone. Today’s Flourishing Friday 5-minute practice is for you.
If sad, scared Monkeys of Fear whisper doom and gloom, it’s okay to tend their little hearts. We want you to feel okay so you can show up with your Brave Voice: medicine we all need to balance out the crazy.
Follow along in this ‘Live from the Loo’ video, featuring the potty-mouth ‘Holy Sh*t’ version of the tool, and a spontaneous song (it’s kinda long; the practice starts 6:00 minutes in. Or scroll down to the non-potty mouth steps.)
PS: I made this video in 2020. Early days of COVID, when George Floyd’s murder and Black Lives Matter cracked us open to the realities of systemic and internal racism. How is it possible that the world is even more weird now?
The Blanket: How can I give myself comfort?
RECALL a time of feeling sad, discouraged, bruised by life, wounded or depressed.
BREATHE deeply, softening your jaw and belly.
IMAGINE holding a sweet, comfy blanket. Feel its texture and material, notice its color or pattern, inhale its scent. Does this blanket feel familiar to you, or remind you of a person, place or time?
WRAP the blanket around your shoulders. Bring the edges around to the front and give yourself a hug. Linger. Get cozy with it. Feel its warmth hold and envelop you in a loving, kind embrace.
REFLECT when done, “Now, I feel ...”
Make it Real: Feel secure and loved (by you)
EXPLORE: Write in a journal or tell someone about your experience with the Blanket and how it felt.
CREATE: Curl up with a blanket and a beverage. Recall (or imagine) a story of feeling comforted and held. Write or draw or share this with someone.
MANIFEST: This week, if you feel sad, tired or whiny, comfort your spirits with a self-loving hug. Bravely ask someone to give you a hug when you need one.
🎤 Your turn: Let me know how you feel about…
What news story or other ‘shit-uation’ tweaked you recently?
Do you identify as a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)? How do you soothe your nervous system?
Do worrisome Monkeys of Fear keep you up at night? What do they whisper, that may not be true?
Does worry ever block or impede your creative flow? I’m so sorry—
Thanks for stopping by. If you find this encouraging, please subscribe for more stories, semi-weird songs, and short practices to support your brave creative voice. More to come!
As a multi-passionate maker, I’ve faced the Monkeys of Fear in many creative corners. 🙉🙊🙈My work has appeared in Time Magazine, feature films and television, newspapers, and YA fantasy novels. I’ve sung and performed on stages and festivals on the West Coast. Today’s 5-minute practice is from my HeartsQuest and Holy Sh*T! creative healing tools, used by therapists, oracle card enthusiasts, and People who Poo. 💩 More at HeartsQuest.com. 💗
How to Soothe a Jacked-up Nervous System