Quote anon

I came across a lesson this week that I thought I would share. It was so visual in my mind it quickly took root and perhaps it will help you when you feel dysregulated.

Have you ever looked in a pool of water at your reflection? If the water is still it’s like looking in a mirror, sheer glass and a crystal clear reflection. It’s effortless and easy to see your reflection.

Have you ever boiled a pot of water? The bubbles rise with force and as it spits and hisses, the water appears cloudy. You can’t see your reflection. Yet it’s the same pool of water, with added intense energy.

Your body is approximately 60% water, it can be a little higher in men and a little lower in those who don’t maintain a healthy physique. So in many ways the analogy of a pool of water above relates perfectly to your body…we are all pools of water. If we have demands and frustrations ‘boiling over’ how can we make calm and meaningful decisions?

Since thinking of myself as a vessel of water, I’ve noticed when emotions begin to bubble to the service, more importantly I’ve also noticed how to turn my own thermostat down. Having worked with hundreds of dysregulated children over my career I’ve learnt that we all soothe differently. For me, I can handle the ‘bubbles of life’ best if I am early to wake and early to bed. Sleep is crucial for my wellbeing. As an extrovert I also enjoy companionship but it only fills my cup if it’s meaningful interaction. This means thinking about events before they occur and deciding whether they will enrich my life or drain my soul. *all human interaction is not equal

Rituals also help to keep balance that in turn can keep you calmer – a luxury bath on a Sunday evening sets me up perfectly for a good week ahead. Time with friends in nature and a good book by my side all help to keep me still.

Of course sometimes our pots boil and sometimes events occur beyond our control, but knowing what you need and how you can include elements of this, even in the most trickiest of times can help your thoughts to form and keep boiling water at bay. This week notice what creates bubbles in your life and see if you can turn the heat down.