Written by Brittney McKinley, Floral Wellness Designer
Brittney McKinley is the world's first Floral Wellness Designer and founder of Contained Stems, but her expertise extends far beyond her knowledge of flowers. She is award-nominated, a certified breath-work coach, and published author and poet of books Flowers with Benefits and Love Notes.
Let's check in. Think of the last time you were in a social environment. How did you feel? Were you aware of those around you? How did they appear to be and interact with those around them?
Lately, more conversations with my clients are about the shift in social settings. Overall, they seem awkward and anxiety-stricken or find themselves in places where they're uncomfortable being themselves.
The foundation of socializing is to connect and share experiences with another human being. The more you permit yourself to be yourself, the more others will feel safe around you to find commonalities to relate to. When you don't feel comfortable being yourself or your nervous system is activated, it has a detrimental impact on your mental health.
So, what tools do you have in place for when your nervous system feels a bit shaky?
Suggestions for easing yourself into social experiences
Always return to your breath (when accessible and if you're not in a heightened state) to deactivate your nervous system and return to the present.
Ease into the experience and interact when it feels comfortable for you. Don't put more pressure on yourself if you're uncomfortable- go at your own pace.
Listen to music that makes you feel your best before entering the social experience.
Understand the value of your time and energy. Where and with whom you spend your time is so important. Show up to places that make you feel good.
Get in the habit of having pep talks with yourself. You are the very essence that someone is waiting to meet. Don't lose sight of your power or magic.
My honorable mention tools are when you know you will be socializing. A healthy and strong self-care regime is key for mental health and nervous system regulation. Utilizing tools like sound healing, affirmations, meditation, breathwork, movement, and journaling practices are essential when preparing yourself to do what you wouldn't normally do, feel comfortable doing, or when you don't desire to contribute to any awkward energy that may be in the air.
My pro tip and personal practice is to mindfully socialize to be aware of what you are contributing and what you wish to receive from this experience.
For those curious about what mindful socializing looks and feels like, join me for our Dopamine Dinner + Intentional Experience in Los Angeles at Center For Yoga on September 27, 2024, 6-10 PM. This experience includes a sacred ceremony of cacao to encourage happiness, breathwork to alleviate awkwardness and anxiety, and a 3-course dopamine dinner by celebrity chef Anne Wiles. Tickets are available for purchase here.
Brittney McKinley, Floral Wellness Designer
Specializing in the art of floral healing, Brittney saw the need to change the outlook of floristry by connecting the curation of flowers and designing spaces back to our emotional and mental well-being. Through experiences of the brand, Contained Stems focuses on creating safe oases where clients feel inspired and guided to creation, expression, connection, and a sense of community. As a thought leader, she believes inspiration can be sourced from any where and hosts containers to honor our life-force and creative writing, along with a Floral Healing Master course on mindful design and floral connection to our well-being.
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