If you are here,
You've already made it through the moment,
But you're still in the fear.
Your mind is still scanning for what might have stuck.
It's like the fire alarm is still going off even though the fire has already been put out.
Your body doesn't yet know that it's safe.
Your nervous system is still ringing the bells of danger,
Even though there's nothing left to run from.
This simply means your system is trying to protect you,
Even though the moment has passed.
You've already done your part.
You were careful.
Now this is the part where you get to stop.
Find yourself a comfortable place to sit.
Place one hand somewhere on your body that feels okay.
Your chest,
Your belly,
Your lap,
Just somewhere that says,
I'm still here.
And say inwardly,
I already showed up.
I already protected myself.
And I am allowed to stop now.
And let's breathe.
Not to calm down,
But just to soften.
To be a little slower than the fear wants you to be.
Slowly,
Inhale through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth.
And gently say,
The fear is here and I'm still safe.
You don't have to feel sure right now.
You don't even have to feel safe.
You only have to stay with yourself in the uncertainty.
That's the work and that's the healing.
Now say,
It's okay to feel unsure.
I can live in this moment without certainty.
Not knowing can be safe.
Let that settle into your system.
You can say it again if it helps.
Not knowing can be safe.
You don't even have to believe it fully,
But just let your body start to believe it.
Through your breath,
Through stillness.
What if this was enough?
What if right now,
In this breath,
You are already safe?
Even if your mind says no.
Even if the fear says,
Check again.
Even if your body is still buzzing.
You can let all of that exist without giving it more power.
Take another soft breath and as you exhale,
Say,
This moment is safe.
I don't need to fix this.
I am safe amongst this not knowing.
And let yourself land here.
Not because the anxiety is gone,
But because you've chosen not to chase it anymore.
You are allowed to feel the fear and you are allowed to rest anyway.
You are safe now.
Even here.
Even in the uncertainty.
