Hi everyone, it’s Roslyn Saunders, your codependency coach and counselor. Today’s topic is “Space as Medicine.” I want us to start looking at when we take space or space things out because that’s the medicine in between.
Years ago, I didn’t have any space in my life, so taking space is medicine for us. It’s a tonic that slows down the autonomic nervous system, settles the sympathetic nervous system, and guides us towards the parasympathetic nervous system.
I’d like to share an example from last week. I had a client who called me feeling overwhelmed. There was a lot going on in her life, including family situations. She was full to the brim. So, I suggested she make a list of her commitments and identify the biggest source of overwhelm. She pinpointed her work as the primary stressor. She works part-time, so I asked if there was a way she could take time off this week. She did just that, explaining her situation to her boss, who was understanding due to her valid reasons. This step significantly reduced her stress levels.
We then broke down her week into manageable chunks, taking space in between the steps. This approach led to a much calmer experience for her, and she was better able to manage her emotions throughout the process.
In summary, taking space is medicine for us. It’s a valuable tool. Instead of reacting immediately to something, consider taking some space as it can change our response. I hope this helps today, and thank you for being part of this community. I love this work because codependency underlies everything. By raising awareness and changing behaviors one step at a time, we can integrate these different elements and create a calmer, more fulfilling, and enjoyable life.
Thank you!
