What makes your palm sweat and your mouth go dry?

Today I had a face-to-face with my nervous system.

I know it was designed to scan for danger, imagined or real, so I know it always has the best of intentions..

But honestly? I’m not really in danger that often, despite what my nervous system likes to tell me.

This morning I was about to shut off my phone for a meditation practice when I saw a message from a friend.

They didn’t need anything, they just asked me how I was doing. I decided I wasn’t going to respond until after I finished but I couldn’t relax and focus on my practice. I felt quite restless.

I decided to ask my nervous system why I was so activated all of a sudden. I knew it had something to do with getting the message but I couldn’t figure it out: why would I feel activated by a message from a friend who is asking me how I am doing?

Well, it turns out my nervous system had a good reason. It always does.

It reminded me that whenever anyone reaches out to me I tend to think that they need something and I assume I need to be available.

When I realized that there was nothing unsafe about my friend texting me and that the discomfort I felt was a result of me not responding like I normally would, I was able to relax.

I love moments like this. It feels like being a detective and solving a mystery because I ask the right questions.

So often we go through life feeling triggered and nervous, and we don’t know why.

Maybe we can all take a second the next time we feel triggered, whether it’s exhibiting restlessness (fight or flight) or shutting down (freezing).

Next, ask your nervous system what it’s responding to.

Once you find it you can ask yourself if this cue of danger really presents a threat to you in the present moment or if it’s a vestige from your biology or heritage.

Either way, you can always thank your nervous system for trying to protect you.

Given the state of the world, this can be incredibly helpful.

I’m into that these days…