Hello Reader, How are you? Take a minute and check in with yourself. Really.

What energy are you holding in your body right now?

The practice of simply noticing the emotion and the physical sensations associated with it is a linchpin for accessing more autonomy over how your day goes.

If you notice you're holding tension, urgency, or frustration. It's okay.

This morning I noticed a mix of emotions, frustrated at my own lack of action, overwhelmed at the opportunities I felt I was dropping the ball on, and confused on what to do. I wanted to jump into the to do list and solution myself out of these feelings.

But today I decided to sit. To PAUSE. I gave myself 10 minutes of just noticing and breathing, without trying to problem solve.

Noticing can trigger a magical transformational power that breaks through the unconscious tension we live in.

Many of us mindlessly carry a certain intense energy in our body due to the daily stressors and then wonder why our shoulder hurt on or why we snapped at our loved ones for no good reason.

Here's the magical part: Simply noticing what's there is ALL that is needed.

My inner critic wonders, "Why spend time being aware of how I'm feeling if I can't control the external stressors or I don't know how to "fix" the feeling.

I am always inclined to seek a fix. I want to solve for the uncomfortable. Get myself back to a place of good vibes and positivity.

You may be thinking... isn't that why I read these emails? I want to get better. Feel better. Be a better leader. I know you are the kind of person ready to DO whatever will "fix" is suggested. I feel ya.

So here's the counter intuitive suggestion: You don't have to fix it. Just notice what you're feeling. Breathe and be.

Reflection Questions: What if you don't have to "fix" the tension? What if you just noticed it? Where are you holding it in your body? Can you describe the actual physical sensations? What if you offer curiosity and compassion to the moment?

Try it for yourself. Bring awareness to the moment and see what happens.

Once you bring awareness to how you feel. Name it. Say, out loud, what it feels like in your body. Such as, it feels like a numbness throughout, tightness in my chest, or heat in my cheeks...

Be compassionate with yourself. There is reason why you feel this way - our unconscious nervous system responses are real and deserve to be acknowledged.

Then remind yourself:

This will not last forever. I have what I need in this very moment.

As the intensity decreases give yourself a hug and congratulate yourself for taking a pause and releasing the urge to resist or ignore what you are feeling.

What tends to cause the biggest tension and frustration in your life?

Hit reply and let me know. I'll send you some validation and encouragement.