Brain Hack #2: Integrative Intention
Overview
In this brain hack, I will teach you about something I call Inward Focus. This can take the emotional charge out of those regularly stressful situations. This is most effective when we are talking with someone that may trigger us.
Instead of focusing 100% of my attention on what they are saying, I actively listen while directing part of my attention inward to a sensation in my body. This deliberately redirects my attention and energy away from an external emotionally charged stressor (where I find myself wanting something to be different) to a state of observation of what is.
By doing this I can move from the sympathetic (fight or flight) to the parasympathetic (relaxation) bypassing the emotional reactions, the overwhelm, and the negative feedback loop I typically experience when triggered.