What's Present Now | Simple Practice | Updates + Offerings
Hey hey Reader
Happy October. How are you doing these days - like actually?
From what I’m hearing lately, a lot of us are in “the zone” right now. But not the kind of zone you might be thinking. I’m talking about another kind of zone - one I like to call the Zone of Coping.
What exactly is this zone? It’s the space where persistent stressors are tolerated and managed. The annoying knee pain you keep ignoring, hoping it will subside. The petty arguments with your partner that you shut down to “keep the peace”. The disrespectful supervisor you dread having to meet with. Ever been in a situation like that?
If you catch yourself saying or thinking any of these, you might be in the Zone of Coping:
I just have to get through it. When this is over, then I can relax.
It’s not so bad. Others have it worse. I shouldn’t complain.
I don’t know why I’m so tired.
I am patient/loyal/forgiving. I just wish that they would [insert desired change].
An Easy Trap
This zone is easy to fall into. Here, you almost implicitly accept that there isn’t a better alternative to your situation. The operating assumption is that the stress isn’t going to change so it must be worked around, managed or pushed through.
But here’s the thing with this strategy - it’s unsustainable in the long run. It builds resentment, slowly. It narrows perspective and forces compliance against the will and wisdom of the body. Over time, the body tracks and keeps score of all the times your feelings were overlooked or ignored. Eventually, there will be a reckoning.⚠️
Coping alone does not create change
Why Stay?
So, why do folks stay in this zone, even when their pain is obvious? Well, there are a few reasons people end up choosing pain instead of pursuing change:
1. Fear of leaving the known for the unknown
2. Feeling powerless or a lack of control
3. Concern about consequences (What will happen if it’s more than just “knee pain”? What if my partner leaves? What if I get fired?)
None of these mean that you want your pain. But when the nervous system is in constant, low-grade survival mode, it’s really hard to broaden your field of vision and see from a more empowered point of view. A prolonged coping state traps you in a negative loop that drains your energy and leaves you uninspired or even hopeless.
Been There. Got Out.
I recall, very vividly, being in the Zone of Coping myself. A few times, actually. It’s really not a fun place to be. But it does help to remember that coping is a method of surviving stress. It’s our capacity to live through difficult experiences and situations. Some stress is normal in life, but when it goes unchecked for months on end…there will be consequences. For me, it was seeing my hair fall out in handfuls 😫 That was the last straw. My body was giving me all sorts of signals and I knew I needed to be more respectful of myself.
So, I plucked up my courage and got myself some support to take my power back and move out of “the zone”. Working with a coach helped me see new possibilities, reboot my self-agency and find the courage to take the steps I needed. It saved me months of spinning and looping, going nowhere. Over time, my hair grew back and my other physical symptoms subsided too. The support I received was one of the reasons I became a coach myself. 💞
This I Know: Life will always present stressful situations and challenges. This isn’t inherently bad and coping is one way we can navigate and move through stress. The catch though, is to not get stuck in the coping. It’s not a permanent solution to stress and it’s not a high vibe way to live. In fact, it’s a fast track to burnout. We don’t have to wait for the stress to become unbearable or for the body to collapse before we make a change.
If you’re finding yourself in the Zone of Coping and struggling to see a way out, I’d love to help you with that. You can schedule a call with me here. We can talk through what’s happening, where you’re stuck and if coaching might be a good fit for you.
PS: reply and let me know how you're actually doing. I care!
Shanti 🙏🏽 Peace
Simple Practice
Elemental Energy Activation
When you’re feeling stuck, powerless or uncertain, activating your fire element can help. In the body, fire is represented by the heart (and also the intestines). Try this exercise to reconnect with your inner fire:
Sit with your feet flat on the floor.
Place one hand over your heart. Pause and notice your heartbeat.
Allow a deep breath in, through the nose.
In your mind’s eye, picture a warm, gentle flame circling your heart space.
Repeat this affirmation: I Am Loved ❤️🔥
Notice what shifts.
Updates & Offerings
Upcoming events and how to work with me
🥳 Good vibes. Good times. You're Invited!
Emails are great, but they're so one-way! I write, you read. It's a good start 😅, but since actual human connection is a real part of wellness, let's take the next step!
You're invited to join in for a group meet up, live online. This will be a high vibe, no pressure space to meet other folks in the community and share in uplifting conversation. No cost and no catch. Choose your best day to meet on the Doodle poll below and then stay tuned for the meeting link and details in your inbox. I'm excited to meet you!
If you're ready to move forward from chronic stress, feeling stuck or dealing with burnout, let's talk. I'm offering a new 3-session package. Schedule a free 30 minute call and let's see if it's right for you ⬇️
🛑 No Exhale Meditation In October
Taking a short pause for this month. Sessions will resume in November on Fridays, as usual. Our final practices for the year will be December 4th and 18th. Haven’t joined us yet? There’s still time. Come on in!🙏🏽
