“Be Ye Not Afraid…and Worry Not!”

Now, more than ever, we must cultivate the presence of mind, focused on what we want and need – Peace, Love, and ever-new Joy.  We are a family of humanity, each deserving of Love, Freedom, Peace, and Joy.  So many studies attest to the importance of Consciousness and our internal mental state impacting our physiology, or functioning state of the body.  An entire field has arisen called Psychoneuroendocrinology.  It's a mouthful, translated to - what you think affects your physiological state and leads to a physical state of health, or Dis-ease. Think about it ... perhaps a time when a friend divulged something to the group we had shared in secret and didn't want public, and there we were revealed without our permission, probably feeling many things, including embarrassment. Some of us may remember feeling warm and flushed, and our heart racing. Thinking the world could see through us, and our cheeks blushing red. That is psychoneuroendocrinology. Our thought, "Oh no! I can't believe that just got revealed about me! OMG!!!" And, with that thought, our physiology instantly changed. We went into a state of fear.

     So, if we dwell on things like: "What's become of the world? What a disaster! What a mess! No one is safe. No one can trust or depend on anything! Will global economies collapse? Will I have a job left? What will be left of this world and humanity for the younger generation? There's nothing I can do! I can't change all this chaos! I can't help places far away, or even in my city ... it's beyond help at this point!" I ask, "How does that feel in our bodies?" Fearful, among other things.

     Now, in contrast, can we crystallize a memory when someone was unexpectedly kind? Perhaps when we were new in a class, job, or situation and worried about what was coming next, how we would fit in or be received, what to do to make that happen, and someone smiled, or said, "Do you like _____, ... would you like to join me?" Or someone whose presence felt good, and put us at ease, or said, "Welcome."

     Not a joyous memory one might go to for warm fuzzies, but I had my blood drawn 3 days ago. The staff were laughing at internal jokes, welcoming me, and the young man who drew my blood, Sam, matched me in every way, putting me at ease. Discussing which arm to draw from, he said, "let's do that if it makes you feel comfortable! I'll do whatever you tell me!" He empowered me, smiled, then distracted me, "... so what do you do with your time?" My heart felt warm and open, and I felt seen and received with kindness, safety, and compassion. True to psychoneuroendocrinology research, my perception of pain was changed, and I barely felt the prick of the needle entering my vein. "You're the Best," I told him, and he laughingly said to a co-worker, "you heard that, right, ... I'm the best!"

     So, as you expected, I'm going to be the thousandth monkey who tells you, "You do have power!" Power over your consciousness, and therefore power over your health. You have the power over how you invite others to feel about themselves, their world, and you. You can create a world of peace, freedom, love, and ever-new joy every day, in every interaction where you are intentional about doing just that. Let us keep practicing the state we want to feel, and returning frequently throughout our days to a clean slate.

Many times a day I tell myself:

• I am welcome here, and anywhere

• I am safe

• I am more than enough

• I am loved

• I am connected and guided

Why do I do that? Is it true? It doesn't matter because when I claim it, I allow my heart rate to slow, my blood pressure to go down, and the majority of blood to move from my muscles to the frontal cortex of the brain, bringing clarity, focus, and creativity. From this state, I am a better version of myself! I can smile, welcome others, and remember who I am ... a powerful force on the planet for change, creating the world I desire!

Love, Light, and Laughter,

Asha Shawn