Give Yourself a Hand

By Daniel W. Trathen, D. Min. Ph. D.

Several years ago my travels took me to Greece. I wanted to see for myself some of the "Seven Wonders" of the ancient world. I was especially interested in seeing "Colossus of Rhodes" on the island of Rhodes. This was a gigantic bronze statue standing guard over the entrance to a man made harbor. The ships that passed into the safety of the port had to sail between its legs. All but the harbor was eroded. This is similar to stress in our daily lives. Over time it eats away at us and wears us down. Let's look at the issue more closely as I offer one simple suggestion for stopping and reversing the destructive nature of stress.

Stress is the physical and emotional reaction to everyday problems. Some days it might feel like we are only putting out fires. I don’t see this trend slowing down or reversing. If unabated, we may over time be warn down like the remains of the "Seven Wonders."

I recommend a hands on approach by employing the "Five Finger Exercise." Let me explain. As you read this take a look at your left hand, palm up. First, touch your thumb to your index finger. As you do this think about a time when you had just finished a hard, but good physical workout. You may have had a vigorous walk, jogged or biked several miles, or maybe done aerobics. Take a moment and experience this positive feeling. Second, touch your thumb to your middle finger. As you do this, reflect back to a time when you experienced "love" from a special person. Take another moment and feel this safe feeling. Third, touch your thumb to your ring finger. As you do this, think back to the nicest compliment you ever received. Maybe your teacher, boss, or close friend gave you special recognition for something you did. Try to accept this compliment even now. Take a moment to feel this positive feeling toward you. Fourth, touch your thumb to your little finger. As you do this, think back to the most beautiful place you’ve ever been and say to yourself, "I want to go back there someday." Stay there for a few minutes and feel the peace and serenity.

I call this exercise, "Giving Yourself a Hand." It takes less than 5 minutes to do and will help you gain perspective and reconnect with the "long view" of your life and to your loved ones. So give yourself a hand every couple of days when you feel tension and stress - you deserve it! If you want to stop the corrosion caused by stress in your life, you have to put your foot down and give yourself a hand.