small shifts and tidal waves of change
runaway trains, pt 2
Hey Team,
I’ve loved your responses to the runaway trains post. A common comment was “by the time I realize I’m on a runaway train, it’s too late in the game” or “I only recognize it when I crash”. At that point, 1* shifts seem insignificant.
This makes sense. And it reinforces the importance of Inner Listening. With more awareness, you sense the train speeding up and respond earlier. You pump the brakes sooner. There is more time for 1* shifts to make a difference.
99% of the time, we’re “too late” because we’ve been repressing and denying signs and signals coming from the body. This might be as obvious as chugging coffee, numbing out, and smothering feelings. It might be as subtle as “it’s not that bad”. Or the (seemingly) innocuous refrain of “you’re fine.”
Some will argue that listening to your body could lead to indulging, eventually reducing work ethic and grit. The argument goes something like this, “well, my body says to lay on the couch and eat potato chips, how will I ever get anything done?!” If you think this way, it’s highly unlikely you’ll ever end up on the couch smothered with potato chips. You probably barely sit on your couch. I suspect you grew up in an environment of “no pain, no gain” or “work hard, play hard” which has inadvertently led to little relaxation and restoration. (It takes one to know one!)
Listening is less about indulging, more about responding. It gives your grit some grace. Balances your will-power with staying-power.
To help you sort through signs and signals coming from the body, Cass Garvin and I developed a tool we’re calling the Scale of Integration. Watch this 5 minute Loom video to see the graphic and learn how to use it.
Practice is an opportunity to transform not just your physical body but your state of being. Benefits here last longer and ripple farther. May your practice create tidal waves of positive change,
Alison
Need tools to calibrate your nervous system while on a runaway train? Create Calm: a Vagus Nerve Mini Course is part of the Intro Membership on the App. Download and sign up to get instant access.
