Watch Out Superman!

I’ve always had a great imagination. It has made watching movies a lot of fun.

And sometimes downright embarrassing.

For instance, when I was sixteen, my best friend and I went to the movie theater for a Superman movie. I was quickly sucked in. I still remember Superman standing in a room as the bad guy came up behind him. Without thinking, I yelled, “Watch out, Superman!”

And yes, yelled is the right word.

Mortified, I dropped down behind the seats, praying no one I knew was in the theater.

I couldn’t believe I’d done it.

I was so in the movie; I’d lost touch with myself.

Ever experienced something like that?

I bet you have (though maybe not in such an embarrassing way). It can happen during an intense football game, during a concert, or while watching the news. It is when we are so caught in the program or event, that we don’t notice our foot has gone numb or that our bladder is bursting. We are so immersed in something outside of us, that we have completely disconnected from our own being.

One of the most crucial steps I’ve learned in self-care over the years is to keep coming back to myself during those times. Movement, conscious breathing, or even just closing my eyes for a moment are ways I can reconnect to my body. Pausing and turning away from what holds my attention is another way to reconnect. Remember, where your attention goes, your energy flows! It is easy to let it flow places that have nothing to do with us, isn’t it?

During these times when we are frequently surrounded by intense drama (make believe and real), using simple techniques to stay present and aware of your own self can make all the difference to living from your peace instead of your fear.

Please share the ways you stay centered. I’d love to hear them!