The Softness Reset

We all have those moments where our minds race with angry thoughts or anxiety or just general noise. And in those times often we are activated, distracted, detached, anti-social.

It is, in course, a physical response to a stimulus like stress, fear, frustration or similar. We are in the sympathetic nervous system, utilising fight or flight and away from our socialised state.

It’s all too easy in those times to stay in that state and while away the hours pissed off or with our heads on fire with terrible thoughts. But if you catch yourself, you can engage a softness reset.

To reset to a softer, more human state, try walking it off. Head to a place of nature, if you can away from crowds. Wear comfy shoes and appropriate clothes so you feel easy. Put headphones in and find every song you can think of that sparks your heart. Then walk, and try to listen to every note and word. Feel your feet. Look at everything around you. Be present. And fill your heart and head with emotions like gratitude, love, appreciation and curiosity.

Walk until you feel human again. Because that’s what it is – the softness reset is actually a reset of your autonomic nervous system to the socialised state or the ventral vagal part of the nervous system. Which is a posh way to say the version of you that loves, that is compassionate to you and to others, and that is healthy & balanced.

Play that music loud. Let it unfurl your wings.

Tracks that work for me: