Schizophrenia was frightening because I was unable to “settle down,” even though people around me were asking me to do so. At one point in my life, I paid 20% of my SSDI paycheck to a Tai Chi master to teach me to teach myself how to tame my body and spirit. So, I tell you what you can do right now to “settle down” your BRAIN, spine, and nerves since all three direct your life.

In order to focus my brain, the 5 senses can lead me into the present moment. For example, imagine before sleep and after a hot shower:

1. Sip on “sleepy” tea to stimulate your TASTE buds. Savor it in your mouth.

2. Use a drop of plant oils or bring in a real plant to bring SCENT to your nose. Breath normally.

3. Turn on relaxing music that has no lyrics and LISTEN. Massage your ears and smile kindly.

4. Wear cotton or fleece clothes for your SKIN: beanie, socks and gloves keep you cozy and wearing long pants and a long sleeve shirt warm you up.

5. WATCH your belly rise and fall as you inhale and exhale then continue to watch while you stretch in bed.

Now, you can begin self-massage…: Fully calm, PRESS and RUB wherever you feel heat and pain until it goes away. That’s it! To finish, give yourself a HUG by wrapping your arms around your chest. Hug yourself while saying and feeling these words: “I’m sorry, I thank you, I love you.”

Tips: At my bed side table, having a pitcher of WATER and a cup relives worry. And, in the middle of the night, it’s re-assuring to have a roll of TOILET PAPER nearby. Also, A pen and NOTEPAD on the same table can keep all of my thoughts and ideas.

“The body is not you, it’s yours!” Ilchi Lee