Dear friends,
Be careful what you ask for...you might just get it!
For the past several weeks, we've been exploring the power of choosing an uplifting word for how we want to feel this year. Why? Because, as you may already know, what we think, say, feel, and do shapes our lives.
You’ll find a link to recent research that supports “growth beyond stress” is not only possible but likely! Read on if you want to see how you can include more and have a powerful say in everything from here.
Recall “Grace” is my guiding word for all of 2024, and many of you have shared your inspiring words like peace, serenity, courage, and building. A friend of ours, Dr. Heather Hunt, DC, even crafted her word, 'be-dazzled.' I love these!
Let’s face it, in demanding fields like healthcare, education, justice, and addiction treatment centers, you may find yourself in high-stress environments, longing for relief. What if a single word—peace, resilience, or hope—could bridge us beyond our circumstances?
Can one word become a generative operationally secure and sacred space? Likely!
According to an article by the American Psychological Association here are “6 things researchers want you to know about stress “. Notice the way I would say them in bold.
“Stress can manifest in the body” Stress is an in-the-body experience.
“Physical effects of stress can be damaging even when you appear “fine” on the outside.” Even when you think you’re “fine” stress is a generative operational force.
“Effects don’t end when the stressful experience ends” The effects of generative operational forces don’t end.
“Social support is good for everyone” We all crave support or connection.
“Some coping mechanisms don’t suffice in unbearable situations” When seemingly nothing will do, “distraction” and “avoidance” are options too.
“You need stress—and often grow from it” We need everything including stress. Likely, we grow from every experience.
“Posttraumatic growth is what our great religions and philosophies and cultural practices and wise grandmothers have taught us about: You can’t run through sorrow, you’ve gotta walk through it,” Grant said. “It’s those big things where we are taken down emotionally—and we do come out the other side and we grow.” - Kathryn Grant, PhD
💡 All of the above are addressed in STOP & FLOW
In our collective STOP & FLOW sessions, participants often discover that growth beyond trauma is not only attainable but likely.
I’m seeing people not only take steps to move with grief and feel relief in sessions but also come back week after week choosing life-enhancing words and sharing how they are living this way out in daily life! It’s so exciting.
Some recognize the thrill of this as feeling more energy to get important things done. Others say they feel their body pinging them and that they need a nap. What a grace when we include and acknowledge stress in our day.
👁️ This Week's Connect to Calm Tip: One word, One feeling, Anywhere! 🌈
I’m sharing a fun way to choose your word for 2024 in this week’s Connect to Calm Tip and you don’t even have to leave your house to play along.
Imagine you're in a mirrored fun house, a game with a way through. Reflect on the faces you see—sorrow, joy, happiness, fatigue. The human experience is multi-faceted, just like you. Touch each mirror gently, a light-filled, precious space.
Envision your Higher Power standing with you. What does your Higher Power look like? Perhaps notice the face of compassion, strength, and unconditional love. Ask your Higher Power to walk with you, revealing daily facets of ITSELF in your world.
Before you exit, place your hands on your heart, tap softly, and ask aloud, "How do I want to feel this year?"
Listen & ask: What do I need? Include this deep need now as you say aloud, "I want to feel ________ (grace, peace, calm, be-dazzled)…fill in the blank with what you feel you need. Repeat this statement several times.
Inhale. Exhale. Or as I like to say, "Breathe and Be."
Inhale deeply. Stretch your arms wide. Exhale deeply. See yourself stepping out in connection to Higher Power.
You can do this one word, one feeling, anywhere! Why not now?
🌼 Product Spotlight of the Week: STOP & FLOW Logo T’s
Click here to order yourself your Enjoy Chi STOP & FLOW Logo T. Wear it around town and let’s see what magically can happen as you wear “Together we are more!” on your heart.
💡 4 More Ways to Connect to Calm:
[Visit and subscribe to www.enjoychi.com for a wealth of resources]
Thank you for taking time to STOP & FLOW. Your presence is invaluable in our community.
If you've chosen your word for 2024, I invite you to share it with me or a colleague you trust. Team up.
Where might you include your words in emails and conversations at work? Are you giving stress a place in your world so it can get to work and grow for you? Imagine if we all start today. We will likely have a grace-filled year ahead.
What was your biggest takeaway from this week’s email? 🤔 Send me a message. I’d love to hear from you!
In calm connection,
Kristin Onderdonk
Founder of Enjoy Chi | Creator of STOP & FLOW | Author | Speaker
P.S. “And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.” - Roald Dahl
If you believe in magic, the work of one of my allies and dear friends Tantra Maat may appeal to you. You’d be most welcome to join in some training I’m taking on with others who celebrate Magic and the journey to know one’s self more. Click here for more info on Magician of Self which begins this February 2024.