The past, the future, and the now.

I heard something that felt really important today and I wanted to repeat it here, then talk about it from a Jin Shin Jyutsu perspective. Here goes:

If you’re depressed, you’re stuck in the past.

If you’re anxious, you’re stuck in the future.

If you’re at peace, you are living in the present.

I found this to be so true. When I feel down, my thoughts turn to what has previously happened in my life. Relationships, jobs, supposed mistakes that I’ve made (are they all really mistakes, or do they just turn us onto a different path?). When I awaken feeling anxious, it is often because of something I need to do, what’s coming up, what I’m anticipating. It can be as simple as a Jin Shin Jyutsu talk I’ll be giving in front of a number of people (now on Zoom of course!), or more complicated mind thoughts about the direction of my life.

Fortunate for me, when I find myself in these two different worlds I’ve done enough work to recognize them which gives me choice. Do I want to stay there? Sometimes it’s yes. I’ll take some time to feel a bit miserable, but I put a time limit on it, maybe a Netflix movie’s worth. Then I take action. More often than not I go right to Jin Shin Jyutsu to help me get back on my feet.

Jin Shin Jyutsu gives us the tools to recognize when we are living outside of the present moment and what to do about it. We have finger holds to use once we identify the emotion we’re feeling stuck in - worry, anxiousness/fear, anger, sadness, and the trying to hard or self judgement. We can hold the finger that best reflects what we’re feeling, exhale, inhale, perhaps for 36 clean, clear breaths and change our focus. Try it, it works. Just keep holding lightly and breathing.

If you’re really stuck, and have been there for some time, this may not shift your focus immediately. You may simply feel a bit more relaxed and dozy, a touch different. But holding your fingers and breathing bring you right back to the present moment every time, even if it’s just for a moment. The next time it will be a bit longer, and a bit longer so give yourself some grace.

I also love to wrap my arms around me, placing my fingertips into my underarms like a great big hug. I drop my shoulders, exhale and let go even more, and enjoy the Total Peace and Harmony of being on this planet in this moment. Peace is found in the present. Sometimes it’s just for a few seconds, but it’s always there waiting for us.

What I heard this morning feels true to me. Depression is about the past. Anxiety is about the future. Peace is in the present moment, just waiting for us. Even in our darkest moments we can see the glitter of the sun and a flash of beauty in the world around us. Hold a finger or hug yourself, breathe and take it in.