One of the ways we tend to slip from our loving hearts into our reactive guts is to be overwhelmed by stress. A little stress is necessary to create some get-up-and-go, but too much can overpower us and short out our circuits. Stress is the four-letter word of our time. Who hasn't felt stressed out, tension-ridden, and temper-tattered at one time or another? How can we siphon off the excess stress that blocks our ability to live from our hearts?

There are many short-term stress-busters such as drinking, overeating, and being bitchy that we want to avoid because they are unhealthy and create shame and strained relationships. Healthily siphoning off excess stress is a three-fold process.

First, we need to become mentally aware of the stress and let it go before it reaches red-alert status. Second, it's importnat to physically release pent-up energy. Our bodies, like sponges, sop up tension into all of the nooks and crannies. Screaming is a good physical release as long as it's not aimed at anyone and is done in private (screams can be muffled with a towel or pillow). Taking a run or a brisk walk, beating a bed with a tennis racket, digging ferociously in the garden, and whacking tennis balls are all great stress siphons. You will know what's best for you. As long as physical release is not detrimental to yourself or anyone else, it usually helps clear a path to the heart.

Allowing our hearts to transofrm stress is the third step in siphoning it out of our bodies and souls. Move your awareness to your heart and visualize a symbol for the stress. Let the light and love of Spirit pour through you onto your symbol. Allow it to be transformed into peaceful energy. If it won't change, encase it in a container and put it on a remote shelf, and then surround yourself with a protective shield of light.

I am aware of stress and release it constructively.

I take stress into my heart, and bless and transform it with love and light.