Stressed? Soothe your nervous system with a microdose of safety ✨
A poetic practice to uncover the unique experiences that help *you* unwind
These days, my second son doesn’t want to be held back from all the action. He is brave. Curious. Intrepid. After his second nap of the day, we head into El Taller, my artist workshop turned kids’ playroom. I set the baby down, and he crawls straight to all the toys, delighted by so many options. My lap is but a pit stop for him now, not the destination.
I take up my usual spot, lounged against a wedge pillow alongside the opposite perimeter. I settle in to watch, to witness, to wonder.
I’ve only been seated for mere moments when, on the other side of the door, our dog starts to bark. A seven pound monster, my son must think. Because he quickly abandons his plans to explore and hauls it back over to me as fast as his little body will allow.
I pick him up, and he clings to me for a few seconds. Eyes wide open, heart beating fast. He scans the room for danger, alarmed by the sudden onslaught of noise. I caress him, tell him he is safe. A few more moments pass, and he tilts his body to the side, letting me know he’d like to get down.
I release him, and he returns to his play.
I am his safe spot. Solid and soft. A cozy harbor he can return to when the world begins to feel like too much.
We all need such comfort. Touchstones we can hold onto when our nervous system needs soothing.
When we feel safe, we…