Set it down

Find a position you can stay in for a few minutes. Sitting is fine. So is standing, or lying down.

If it feels right, close your eyes. If not, let your gaze rest somewhere low and still.

When there's too much on your mind, it helps to set things down one at a time. You're not solving anything now. Just putting things aside for a few minutes.

Notice the first thing that's taking up space in your head. Give it a short name. A word or two is enough.

Now picture setting it down on a table beside you. It'll still be there later.

What's the next thing? Name it.

And set it down next to the first.

And the next. Name it, and set it down.

Keep going for anything else that comes up. Name it, set it down.

Now notice the space that's left. It may be small. That's fine.

Take a slow breath in.

And a long breath out.

In a moment, you'll go back to your day. Choose one thing from the table to pick up first. Only one.

Leave the rest where it is for now.

When you're ready, open your eyes.