Okay… Going to make this simple for you. Too simple. As in unhelpful-level-simple, but in a way that you maybe think about for a bit and realize it’s actually helpful though not in the way you first thought it would be helpful.
I have spent the last 2-5 years running groups; these talk about anxiety, depression, emotions, interpersonal issues, distress tolerance, etc.
Something has come up with many clients: wanting a quick solution. And who would blame them? Depression sucks. Anxiety is no joke. Life is hard. Let’s just get a quick way to improve.
So here I am to give you that quick way. Two words. Yep, just two words generally summarize everything I talk about in 7 different types of groups I have done professionally (how I got paid for this we can discuss another time).
IF YOUR EYES ARE SKIPPING THE ABOVE HERE ARE THE TWO WORDS:
SLOW DOWN
SLOW. DOWN.
RALENTIR
减速
VERLANGSAMEN
गति कम करो
Tóg go bog é
Desacelerar
“Wait…” you may be thinking, “that’s far TOO simple. How might I actually even do that?”
Wow, what a great question hypothetical-person!
Start with your body.
By that I mean either intentionally start breathing… slower… OR while walking notice the rhythm of your feet and then add one second, then two seconds, between steps. Whatever you can do to physically slow down your body.
Then gradually look around and really LOOK at whatever your eyes fall on. Give each image/object at least 15 full seconds before looking at something else.
Don’t try to start with your mind. Your mind, like mine, will naturally (and ironically) over-think slowing down.
To quote a favourite song of mine, “I’ve been where you’re going // And it’s not that far // It’s too far to walk // But you don’t have to run // You’ll get there in time” (Jars of Clay, “Boys (Lesson One)”).
Maybe next time (hopefully less than 4 months) I’ll talk about the next important thing we need to change our lives: making space.
Until then, may you be well; and if you are not well, may you know there are those out there who deeply care about you.