Cruise Control...
I remember when my Dad brought home the new Buick Electra, Limited. It was silver with spoked wheels and a plush velour interior. This bad boy had all the upgrades including a CB radio for my brother Charles (aka Chuckwagon). I felt so fancy when we drove it and remember it being a special occasion car. My brother remembers it as, "what was the alternative... the Pinto"?
One of the features of this car was cruise control. Cruise control was new and in our family only used on the open road (and only at the Mom verified correct speed) so Dad could relax as he drove. Getting it on was a smooth click and disengaging it was supposed to be "just a quick tap of the brake". But, this little tap made the car disengage abruptly causing our heads to go forward (in just a tiny whiplash-like fashion). It was quick but, nonetheless jarring. Kind of like this week.
No, I'm not really comparing this week to those days. I mean, this week was that cruise control on steroids (with a giant splash of trauma). Instead of happy, comforting emotions we're experiencing jarring, traumatic ones which our body then absorbs through its connective tissues, muscles, and nervous system. Long-term they don't do us any favors there and releasing them (even by crying) is great. In light of this I'd like to give the gift of release and grounding through this psoas/quadricep stretch. While you're doing this breathe, relax and feel settled.
Tips:
You can kneel on a pillow, if that feels supportive.
Keep your front, bent knee in line with your ankle (not in front of).
Hold on to something so you can maintain an upright chest (don't lean forward).
Keep your waist even on both sides so you can really get into your hip joint.
Listen to your body, breathe and relax (and hold for 20 - 30 seconds).
If getting to the floor is a challenge then try a higher surface like your couch. Mirroring the picture above the knee on the pillow would be on the couch and your bent forward leg would be on the floor.
Hang in there gang!
xo Kathryn
A Happy Balance