Written by: Melanie Ashley, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
The first step to recovering from physical and mental exhaustion is to nourish the mind, body, soul and spirit ¹ by rebuilding their core stability. Using the 5-element theory – which helps us to understand the qualities that create life – this means working with the energy of the earth – meaning the qualities of soil and the water. This is the first step in our Pathway to Peacefulness which we will explore in this article, particularly in relation to the soil.
Restore and re-align the tapestry of your life
Being human is complex. We are the result of at least 6 layers of being integrated together to bring us life. Almost like a magic carpet with different colour threads woven together to create a unique, mesmerizing pattern – which is you.
However, over time some of the threads may start to wear thin, creating holes in the fabric which could disintegrate if not repaired.
This first step helps us to recognize the essence of what makes us unique - or recognize the threads necessary to create a new tapestry. With this approach, we can restore our ability to find:
strength & flexibility in our Physicality
how to Position our state of mind to a place of calmness
ways to explore our inner dialogue thorough developing our senses as we connect with our Passions
the courage and Psychology necessary to start a new life’s journey ²
how to reset of the nervous system with appropriate vibration from Psalm
And with this we can gently strengthen the threads that have worn thin from stress and burn-out.
Repair symptoms of burn out and exhaustion
The impact of stress and burnout on both our physical and mental health cannot be understated. It can cloud judgment, dampen creativity, and erode the very essence of our motivation. Many people who feel like this are looking for ways to claim back balance and clarity to their lives – especially those in the middle of conflict but preferable before the misalignment between the outer expectations and inner values and ethics cause chaos on one’s health. For example, within an organisation:
“Burn-out is a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is characterized by three dimensions:
feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion.
increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one's job; and
reduced professional efficacy.” ³
Weaving together our 6 layers – Physicality, Positioning, Passion, Psalm, Psychology and Practice – when the fibers wear thin can help in the recovery of stress and burnout.
Stage One to repair the symptoms of burn out considers
I. Cultivating the correct mind set by Positioning our state of mind to remember what calmness and spaciousness feel like. We achieve this by resetting the correct breathing. It is often the easiest place to start as the body may be too exhausted to be active in physical practice.
Re-setting the breathing pattern often awakens the inner body and the mind when practiced consciously. It can be likened to a baby taking its first breath which then stimulates the remaining systems of the body to bring baby to life.
II. We can then start awakening the power of our senses. With Passion we can fuel our drive and creativity as we start to attune the primary senses necessary for survival.
III. This then increases awareness of the subtle inner vibration as we strengthen the nervous system and reset the inner backtalk from the vibration of the word with Psalm. Thus, we recreate the inner dialogue, which becomes our guide in times of confusion and conflict.
Weaving these threads together starts to create a pattern or rhythm for the mind and body which is crucial to activating the limbic system and pons within the brain. I.e., we start to feel calm and centered.
Stage Two to repair the symptoms of burn out considers
IV. Balancing the body's systems with movements – which support the new breathing pattern, builds physical strength, and activates the consciousness that is related to safety, security, comradeship, confidence.
V. Lastly, with a calm mind and built confidence it is often easier to explore personal growth and the psychology of our beliefs, behaviors, values, and ethics which have influenced every decision. ⁴
VI. Do the relevant practice
These threads are deeply connected. They affect each other and our overall wellness. To evolve means understanding and learning how to weave the threads to create the foundation of inner strength and flexibility for renewed confidence, security bravery and comradeship.
And as we Restore and Realign each of these fibers, we create new threads which become the foundation of the new masterpiece. As a foundation we will colour this thread red. In Jamaica – we say Red represents The Earth – which coincidentally is the element of nature we work with here.
Connecting the threads
Our bodies are incredible systems, each part working together to keep us moving, thinking, and feeling. Similarly, the threads are woven in a particular way to ensure the durability of our exquisite magic carpet.
The Fibers which create the threads to Position our state of mind
This means focusing on the Respiratory and Cardiovascular Systems to bring oxygen to our cells and vital organs whilst removing carbon dioxide. We strengthen the lungs; we energize the mind. We reset the breathing pattern so we can start refreshing our lungs for greater efficiency.
The Fibers which create the threads of our Physicality
Skeletal and Muscular Systems plus the lymphatic systems give us strength, shape, and allows movement whilst constantly draining unwanted toxins from the body. But more than that, they help us activate our energetic system ¹ and support our body’s efficiency.
The Urinary system – particularly the Adrenal Glands – on top of the kidney – which make steroid hormones, adrenaline, and noradrenaline – release energy into the body.
When combined with conscious breathing, the specific movements we are also toning the inner body and vital organs.
The Fibers which ignite our Passion
Reproductive System links to the deepest desires to create which we can explore through a deepened sense related to survival. This also links with specific movements, breathing techniques and mindfulness.
The Fibers Which Support our Psychology
The Digestive Systems – which helps to remove waste and absorb nutrients – also connects with the brain through its microbes. The microbes help control inflammation and make a range of compounds that can affect brain health; and potentially how we perceive the world. The effectiveness links directly with specific movements, state of mind and our desire to survive.
The Fibers which create the threads of Psalm
The nervous and endocrine system connects us to the outer world – sending signals between the brain and the body. When balanced many people feel light, spacious, and positive which means we are balanced. We also start to recognize our personal rhythm which is subtle and soft.
This thread awakens our inner sensitivity to the body’s vibration enabling us to strengthen the Vegas Nerve – the nerve which is activated from triggers of stress. This works extremely well in how we approach movement with the positioning of state and attune the senses to help explore our own psychology. It can be immensely powerful and cleansing.
In the animal kingdom, reset happens almost immediately following the stressful situation of being eaten! Within humans – where the fear is often less dramatic but equally threatening – stress reset can take 20 minutes. However, within a world where chronic stress is prevalent, this reset can take weeks, months, years especially when trauma sets in.
So, a practice which strengthens our sense of safety and security, whilst resetting the fight-flight system is paramount for sustainable wellness.
” Use energy to get energy.” – George Leonard in Mastery
In our journey along the Pathway to Peacefulness, the 6 threads can be expertly woven according to the quality of the EARTH. In particular, the nourishment that the soil provides. Pathway To Peacefulness in the creation of One Practice which is a fusion of many according to the constitution of the practitioner.
Practical application and benefits
The outcomes we anticipate include a robust foundation for our physical and emotional health as well as the health of our mind and desires of the heart. Together, the propel us towards a focused, calm mind which is highly sensitive to its environment. This equilibrium is crucial to aide recovery from physical and mental exhaustion ready to navigate life's complexities with grace and certainty whilst also providing the support needed to inspire and motivate those around us as well as ourselves.
Melanie Ashley, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Melanie helps overworked and exhausted professionals navigate through draining life changes. She helps them find mental clarity, physical strength and emotional balance by them to reconnect with their personal truths, purpose and motivations. Melanie does this by uncovering hidden gifts, building energetic practices and opening the realm of possibilities to create a unique practice for each person.
References:
[1] 4 Steps to Reduce Overwhelm
[4] based on the application of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and The Essence of Yoga ; Reflections on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by Bernard Bouanchaud
