The “fight or flight response” is a wonderful dynamic for physical survival. In the face of physical danger, the fight (anger) or flight (fear) response; also known as the “stress response,” sounds the alarm for the body to prepare to defend oneself or… run for the hills. What was once a great survival dynamic long ago has become one of our biggest liabilities for health; an overactive stress reponse is associated with many chronic diseases. The reason is that the fight or flight response is also triggered for non-physical threats, such as waiting in traffic, playing phone tag, the thought of attending a high school reunion, or coping with an unruly teenage son. Experts in the field of stress management often say that the fight or flight response is antiquated, and to an extent, it is. Yet on rare occasions, we still need it for physical survival (note the photograph above). The wisdom is to know the difference between these threats and act accordingly.
• Stress Tip for the Day:
Pay close attention to how your body response to stress. Do you feel your heart rate increase? Do you clench your jaw muscles or bite your fingernails? Do you tug at a lock of hair? By tuning in to your body’s physiology you can begin to recognize the signals your body is giving you and intercept the stress response when its inappropriate for non- physical stressors. Begin to cultivate a relationship with your body’s wisdom.
• Links Worth Noting:
The Institute of Noetic Sciences has created a one (1) minute interview with various luminaries in the field of mind-body-spirit science. This link shares some insights from the Institute of HeartMath and well worth watching.
http://oneminuteshift.com/
NPR featured a segment on spirituality yesterday with interviews from the IONS staff.
Here is a link to that interview:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=104351710
• Photo of the Day:
A mountain lion on the prowl for breakfast outside of Glacier National Park, MT. I took this photo while filming for my documentary on the healing power of nature. This kitty (wild but friendly) is an actor/model from the Triple D Wildlife Preserve in Kalispell, MT. I spent the better part of the morning with her. To my surprise, even big cats purr (although she sounded like a 6 cylinder engine when she did).
• Quote for the Day:
“God gave us two ends: One to sit on and one to think with. Success depends on which end you use. Heads you win. Tails you lose.”
—Anonymous.
Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net
© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.
