It's simple--to utilize this tool just use one of the anti-anxiety tools, like horselips or humming or ahhhhhhhh, then pause. (Here's the Index of all toolkits if you want to look up any others.)
Now relax. Notice any sensations you may have. If you want, allow them to ripple gently through your body. Then...simply rest.
Really you can start with the rest, without having used any anti-anxiety tool. Just stop whatever you are doing--truly stop--and rest...
This is a good sequel for almost all of the anti-anxiety tools I've shared in these posts over the years. In fact, it is probably the most important concept of all in the realm of zapchen:
Doing, then not doing.
A pause allows body, soul and brain to assimilate the new information and, hopefully, the new state of ease.
Zapchen creator Julie Henderson strongly encourages people to take a brief nap after doing a few zapchen exercises. If you can't take a nap at least lie down, or recline in a comfy chair, or at the least, simply stop doing for a few minutes. This can be more challenging than you would think!
Taking a brief nap or rest after learning something new is almost always a good idea. Our brains are designed that way--it maximizes learning. But a simple pause can be helpful too.
This tool is similar to "A Space of Grace" in the 1st toolkit and "Take a Break" in Toolkit #5. Here's a link to the Index of all toolkits. And The Mini-Toolkit: For Those with Little or No Time.
In the early days of this blog I did a related (slightly longer) post called First Cousin to Silence.
Until next time,
Dawn
Photo credits: Sleeping baby, Mendy Revanus, unSplash
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