Your happy place

Hello from the Velka Planina in Slovenia!

Even though I am miles and miles away from the US, thanks to wifi everywhere all the time, I can access my election stress here, too. I have done what I can to support the outcome I’m hoping for, so now when I have the urge to check the news more than once a day, I remind myself that what we give our attention to matters. And I choose to put my mind on something more beneficial (thank heaven for comedians).

Thoughts have a profound influence on our nervous system. One strategy for using your thoughts to work for you instead of against you is to build an intentional list—in somatic Experiencing we call these resources—of your happy places that you access when you’re feeling overwhelmed or depleted. Places (beaches, libraries, the mountains, your bed) where you feel really good. As you think about the place, try to linger on the sensory details that make this place special for you. What colors, textures, and smells are present? What do you like to do when you’re in this place? After you’ve spent some time visiting this place in your mind, check in with your body and notice if it feels different. Stay with it for as long as it feels like it’s having a positive effect on your internal experience.

Like anything, this is a skill that improves with practice. As always, you’re welcome to ask me questions about this or to share your experience of using this strategy.