by Niseema Dyan Diemer LMT, SEP and Connie Shannon
Alexythymia is a condition that refers to a person's inability to identify or verbally describe their feelings. Its not uncommon for this condition to amplify during unusually trying times.
"Skin Hunger" is another side effect of the Pandemic which has physiological impacts. During this show we offer ways to help ease these issues during a time where there is less human contact. Touch and self touch can help combat feelings of Skin Hunger and help you get in' ‘touch’ with your feelings.
Here are some tools for grounding and getting in touch with your feelings:
SELF HOLDING
1. Cross your right arm over your chest and put it up under your left armpit.
2. Wrap the opposite arm over the top of your crossed arm.
3. Cross your feet and tilt your chin down and close your eyes.
4. Breathe into this full body hug. Feel the size and shape of your body as you breathe. Go as deep as you can with your hug, allowing yourself to release into it.
CALMING SELF TOUCH
1. Place one hand on your forehead and hand on your chest, feel into the space between your hands.
2. Move your hand down from your chest to your belly and continue to feel into the space between your hands.
3. Notice the support of the chair or bed underneath you.
BREATHE
1. Breathing can literally shift your awareness to your bodies and your emotions. Take in a BIG breath and “watch” it going down into your belly.
2. Slowly exhale as if breathing through a straw. Try inhaling opening your hands wide, exhaling closing them. Notice how you are orienting in your body. After a few rounds stop and notice how it makes you feel.
3. Name what you are feeling. Is it MAD, SAD, GLAD or SCARED?
Stay curious.
These tools, insights and discussions can help you experience “the here and now” otherwise known as presence. These tools can help you navigate the uncertain future with less shock to your system and a more defined sense of who you are.