Mind over Matter, Mind your Mind, It’s All in your Mind, Clear your Mind, Open your Mind, Be Mindful…

So much mind advice and easy to follow on a good day, however, how do we navigate it when we’re feeling stress, worry, fear, doubt or any other human emotion that takes over our mind and makes us feel like we can’t breathe?

A while back I was feeling uninspired and lethargic, as if I was a lost soul.  I thought that maybe if I did something really uncomfortable, it would shake me up and perhaps get me excited about life again.

An opportunity came up to do something I have NEVER wanted to do… go to the bottom of the ocean.  When suggested, without thinking about it, I said YES to Scuba Diving. (side note; I grew up by a lake where the scary Ogopogo lives. Since I was a child deep water terrifies me).

After two hours of learning and practicing in the pool I was feeling good, confident, even excited.  Until…

Out in the ocean, at the dive spot, there were sharks everywhere!  The guide assured us that they were just “saying hello”.  I didn’t believe her however, I thought I should trust her.  On the count of “ONE” I jumped off the boat and into the water because if I waited until “three” I would still be standing there.

Halfway down the safety rope, 15 feet below the surface, sharks waving above me, my heart began racing and in a nano second I had a panic attack.  It felt like I couldn’t breathe and I desperately wanted to be back on the boat, but I couldn’t remember the “up” signal to tell my guide.  I was paralyzed and just clung onto the rope trying to breathe. (the signal is a “thumbs up” by the way).

My thoughts were racing as fear took over my body; “I’m afraid, I can’t breathe!  What if my mask gets water in it, what if the sharks get me?  I can’t breathe!  What if I go up?  What if I can’t get uncomfortable?  What if I drown?  I can’t breathe!”  My panic worsened, my thoughts kept racing, my heart was pounding harder, my hands squeezed the rope tighter when I heard a scream… STOP!  Breathe!  My inner voice took control.  I took a deep breath, then another and another.  A truth bomb dropped, I could breathe!  I WAS BREATHING.

I felt calm return to my body as I told myself that there is no danger.  There is nothing to be afraid of and I can breathe.  I put all of my focus on taking deep breaths.  Breathing, in and out, in and out. Then, without thinking (again), I let go of the rope and swam to the bottom of the ocean.  Soon my thoughts were about admiring the beauty and magic all around me.

I can breathe…

The mind is fascinating isn't it?  This experience was a reminder for me that we can control our thoughts, in any situation.  Whether it is sharks, a work deadline, an uncomfortable conversation or negative self talk, we are in control of our mind.  So how do we manage stress, worry, anxiety and nervousness, when we feel like we’re out of control?

Perhaps focus on the SHARK (…in your mind)

Stop…. when thoughts are swirling, take a moment, breath in and out, in and out and tell your mind to stop.

Honest… ask yourself, what is really going on?  Find the truth and get clear on what is actually causing the stress, anxiety, worry or fear.

Acknowledge… what do I need?  Am I in danger or do I just need to get uncomfortable? How do I take care of me right now, in this moment?

Respond… take action.  You may need to call someone or get professional help.  You may need to journal about it.  You may need to change your thoughts.  You may need to pause before responding.

Know… (if it’s true) that you are not in any physical danger and won’t be harmed.  When our emotions take over and it is hard to put things in perspective, find comfort in knowing that you really are okay.

Remember, “change is the only constant in life”.  That includes emotions.   Emotions are a part of the human experience, no one is exempt.  Learning to calm them when it feels like a shark is swimming around you is a mind game.

Have some curiosity with your thoughts.  Pay attention to the positive or negative, good or bad.  By being aware of our thoughts in good times, perhaps we will better equipped in bad times.

Writing down and journaling your thoughts is a productive way to "play with a shark”, just remember to always breathe! And in case you’re wondering, yes, this experience did infuse a new zest for life.