One of the ways I don't deal with a crowd of people is to slide in and sprint out. That's what I did at church on Sunday. Technically I was there but I was about as far as I could be, mentally. The body made it to the chair and the brain flitted in and out.
Last night I was preparing to drive home. I answered a text message before putting the car into gear. It was very foggy - a dense fog. I knew the way home was going to be without street lights most of the way. One of my fears is being side swiped or hit head on. But I had to get home.
Dealing with stress is stressful. I know myself well enough (not perfectly) to be able to talk myself through almost anything. Since I'd had a full blown panic attack four days ago, I knew I didn't want to have that happen again.
As I was driving and listening to a Christian CD my favorite song was playing and I zoned out. Not good being in dense fog and brainless. The Holy Spirit brought this to mind: Ground yourself.
Ah, that I knew how to do. He guided me by having me squeeze my hands on the steering wheel a few times, tap each foot separately onto the floor or the gas pedal, sit up and push my shoulders into my back which caused a few pops, roll my head and my neck cracked and then squeeze my booty so I can feel it on the seat.
By the time I was finished I felt more alert. I kept telling myself to stay grounded just like they teach at Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital. We'd have our feet on the ground and then use our 5 senses. For example, while I was driving I looked for five objects.
Floating away is a big deal. God will toss out a life preserver through the Holy Spirit. In fact, when I was deciding whether or not to call upon the Holy Spirit in the car, I said to myself, "I'm supposed to have a relationship with Him so I can ask for help because Priscilla Shirer said that's what I'm supposed to do." So, I did it.
I arrived home safely.
