Struggling to be still?

If you’re struggling to be still during your craniosacral session, first of all, you are not alone. It’s not uncommon to be a bit fidgety. 

And, you have options:

1. Approach your session with a sense of purpose. Rather than figuring that you’re going to simply let go, recognize that this is a particular challenge for you. It may be uncomfortable to be still (or still-ish), but that’s okay, you can do uncomfortable things.

2. Get comfy. While you can do uncomfortable things and we’re learning to not run from that, we also don’t need to unnecessarily add to the discomfort with our physical posture. Find a spot to lie that is comfortable for you. Add pillows under your knees to relieve pressure in your low back. Set the temperature of your space a degree or two cooler. Cover yourself with weighted blanket. Put on some cozy socks. Whatever works for you and helps you to feel cocooned.

3. Stay with your breath. Those 3 breaths that we open the session with, continue that breath pattern (inhale, hold, long exhale) throughout your session. Concentrating on your breath gives your brain something to do, and those long exhales stimulate your parasympathetic nervous system and tell your body that it’s okay to rest, it’s okay to digest.

4. Utilize isometric contractions to move the squirms through your body. Whether it’s your brain or your body that is feeling wriggley, you can channel that energy with isometric contractions. Notice which area of your body is feeling tension or sensation of any sort and squeeze that part of your body. Bonus points if you add the breath into this practice. Notice the sensation, inhale, tense the muscles around that sensation, hold the breath, and then soften the tension as you slowly exhale. Repeat this process following the sensation around your body.

5. Do something physical before your craniosacral session. Scheduling your session after a workout or something that physically exhausts you a bit can make it easier to be still-ish during your session.

6. Take some magnesium about 20-30 minutes before your session. I like the Calm drink by Natural Vitality. This can help your muscles to soften, drop you a bit more into your body, and make it a bit easier to settle physically and mentally. (Always check with your doctor before taking any supplements.)

7. Embrace the squirm. It’s okay to change position during your session. If you find that you are changing positions excessively, add a pause before you move. When you feel the desire to shift your position, challenge yourself to pause first. Take one breath before you move. Or take 3 breaths or 10 breaths. Whatever challenges you to wait just a bit longer, while still being kind to yourself. Always balancing effort with ease.

8. If you’re feeling excessively fidgety, and none of the above are working, consider taking a walk while you listen to the first half of your session and then laying down for the second half.

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If you’d like some additional 1:1 support, we offer coaching packages to help you stay present and connect deeply with your authentic magic. Schedule a 15 minute chat to discuss options.