Archive for the 'The Question' Category

Feb 23 2009

Three Ways to Reconnect, Despite the Stress

by

When I’m stressed, I hoard my emotional resources. The pain prevents my sharing.

A rose bush in the snow

A recent bout of stress showed me its most damaging results—stress keeps me from nurturing. I feel detached. I don’t reach out. I wonder. . . Do I do this? Is it intentional? Do the circumstances bring it on? Is this my own protection from the pain and stress? When I felt my return to a position of peace, I made three discoveries:

First: Ideally, stress seems to be an automatic reaction to negative circumstances. I wish I did not take it on, but I unconsciously do.  I discovered peace returns quicker if I consciously seek the same soft reactions to my own circumstances and weaknesses that I would give to other people.

Second: During times of stress I wrap the immediate issues together with the long term ones and feel bleak about any resolution. I discovered that by taking care of immediate needs first allows me to set my stress aside and take the pressure of the negative off my day-to-day activities.

Third: I want to remain attached to other people in opportunities to nurture and be nurtured, but I close off.  While I continue to mechanically assist and serve others, I don’t give my best nurturing under stress. I discovered physical touch—even the lightest expression of love—brings back sincerity to my nurturing.

This post is an answer to My Daily Question:
Have I Seen the Hand of God Reaching Out to Touch Us Today?

Filed in: The Question

2 responses so far

Next »