By Emily Herman, L.Ac.

Many of us have this relationship to life and don’t even realize it. It is ingrained in us to be always striving for improvement; more money, better relationships, better health. I’m not saying to abandon self-improvement, but don’t let the imperfection of this moment ruin the moment. This is life. It will always not be perfect (sorry). Life can be hard, for all of us in different ways. And whether you are in a good place now, or whether you are struggling, you can benefit by learning to appreciate and enjoy your life as it is in this moment.

Here are three practices that you can start today, which will help you to let go of the expectation that life be perfect before you fully embrace it, and enjoy life more in this moment;

1. Practice gratitude. Studies have shown that practicing gratitude positively impacts the brain (increasing levels of activity in the hypothalamus, and increasing the neurotransmitter dopamine – the “reward” neurotransmitter). It has been proven to help relieve anxiety and depression. So you may choose to keep a gratitude journal, writing down 5, 10, or even 20 things each day that you are grateful for. Some people like to do this before bed as part of their evening rituals. Or you can simply remember to think of things each day you are grateful for. They can be small things, like being grateful that you enjoyed a cup of tea, or large things like being grateful for a person in your life, or the roof over your head. Even the process of searching for things to be grateful for has shown to be good for you.
2. Be in the moment. Yes, yes, you’ve probably heard this one again and again. But the great philosopher Lao Tzu was really on to something when he said; “If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present.” This one can take a lot of practice, but remembering to practice being in the moment, especially during stressful times, is half the battle. Some things you can do include simply noticing your physical surroundings. What does the room you’re in look like? What sounds do you hear? What sensations do you feel? These things can also be done meditating – and that is a wonderful tool for being present, but you don’t have to be meditating to be present. Taking a deep breath wherever you are, whatever you are doing, can also help bring you back to this moment.
   
3. Turn your focus outwards. During stressful times, we can get lost in our own worlds of trouble. But it can be helpful to know that A. You are not alone, everyone struggles with some things and B. You can be there for other people, and that feels really good! Volunteering is a great way to connect with and help others, but you don’t have to volunteer to help others. In your every day interactions, practice good listening. Are you listening to respond, or really hearing what people are saying to you? Practice empathy. Notice, and acknowledge people when they do something well – we are all starved for acknowledgement. Ask yourself at the start of each day – how can I be a gift to someone today, however small? Maybe you acknowledge the cashier’s skillful scanning, or you visit an elderly relative in need of company. At the end of the day, helping others can help you become happier too.

Emily sees patients in our Timonium location on:

Wednesdays… 4pm – 8pm

Saturdays …. 2:30pm – 6pm

Emily is in network with Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna and Aetna plans.

Read more about Emily at https://cloud9acuclinic.com/emily-herman-acupuncturist/

By Emily Rose Herman, L.Ac.

Acupuncture theory is largely based on a study of natural cycles, on a macro and micro scale; the cycles of life – birth, growth, maturity, decline and death are mirrored in the cycles of the seasons. The seasons represent internal processes and emotions that we as living beings cycle through, as well.

We are now in autumn, the part of the yearly cycle that sees a decline in plant growth and return to darker days. During this time we may feel within ourselves a dip in energy that comes with the shorter days and longer nights. In traditional agrarian cultures, humans stocked food stores in autumn in preparation for long, unpredictable winters.

In Chinese medicine, autumn is also associated among other things with “letting go”. The trees illustrate this beautifully, for as the sun’s diminishing rays slow the production of chlorophyll, they change colors and fall to the earth. Autumn in Chinese medicine is also associated with bodily organs which function, in part, to let go of waste – the lungs, as they release carbon dioxide, and the colon which releases food waste.

One practice that may help us be in tune with the energy of this season is taking stock of what is no longer serving us, and seeing if we can manage to let that go.

It doesn’t have to be material things that we let go of (though no one can deny the joys of donating unwanted clothes – hat tip Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying). It could be a limiting narrative you have about someone – i.e. “So and so is always doing x!” – or something you are doing that isn’t working for you, for example; too much time on your phone, not enough time engaging with the people around you.

What is your “story” about a given situation? Is that story really the truth, and is there another way of looking at the situation that might help you be at more ease with the situation? Separate out the phenomena of what is happening with what you tell yourself about it, and you may be surprised at what possibilities show up.

So, if you are holding on to something – a narrative, or habit that isn’t working for you, could you let it go, and how would life be different for you if you were able to let it go?

Emily sees patients in our Timonium location on:

Wednesdays… 4pm – 8pm

Saturdays …. 2:30pm – 6pm

Emily is in network with Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna and Aetna plans.

Read more about Emily at https://cloud9acuclinic.com/emily-herman-acupuncturist/