A certain kind of restlessness

Recently I have been really antsy. For me that means not being able to settle to things, starting and not finishing them, poor sleep and a constant restlessness. When I get like this, I feel like a caged tiger and I feel compelled to get outside and walk.

Even though I am a town dweller, there are some lovely walks nearby - a country park and a bike trail that passes three lakes. I find the walking really helps to self sooth and I can do one of several things to change my state. If you find yourself feeling similar, why not try one of these...?

I walk mindfully, simply listening to birdsong and noticing how many different kinds of song there are. Or I might simply focus on my feet and the feel and sound of them as I walk on the path. Sometimes I will focus on the patterns of light and wind on the water. This has the effect of putting my attention outside of myself and my breathing slows and the tension in my body disappears. Being outside in the light and the sun is incredibly important to me.

Other times, and I can also do this whilst walking, I seek the sensation of what I am feeling. Where is it located, does it have a size, a shape, a colour. I think of that sensation, just notice it, what else comes up? What is it telling me?
I am non judgemental and non self censoring and just listen to what emerges. What is the gift that the sensation brings? What is the message it has for me? Once you understand the root of the sensation, thank it. Ask it what it wants to have happen next. And then notice, has the sensation changed? Does it now have a different size, shape location. How do you feel that is different? What do you think that is different?

Other times I might do a clean language selfie and this involves simply asking yourself a few questions. You can film this on your webcam or just do it.
Below is a link to a clip of me doing a clean language selfie. Not a very glamorous video - I have a cold and there is washing in the background - but its real! It was when I felt stuck in project managing a big leadership event at work and it was the first time I had ever organised anything like this. 
It lasts 8 minutes and bear with it to see the transformation in my words, tone and body language. Why not give it a go yourself?

Please feel free to comment or ask questions