by Edd Hanzelik, MD

I recently did a radio interview with Lisa Belkov-Snyder (Live with Lisa KCKK-1510 AM near Denver) and she said , “It sounds to good to be true.” And, at first glance, it is too good to be true.  How can human beings who have been stressed for generations and are getting progressively more stressed possibly live without stress? It does not seem possible.

We have all felt our stress system kick in without our permission. I feel it especially in staff meetings or when giving a public talk. All of a sudden my heart is racing and pounding, my underarms are sweating, my gut is contracted. Since I am fascinated to understand stress, I enjoy stepping back and observing this involuntary response within me. I am gearing up to fight or run. I am like a ferocious tiger, sweaty, hot, ready to spring onto a prey.

But then I take a breath and remember, “I do not want to live in chronic stress.” I’ll take a STOP, one of the Inner Game tools. In the staff meeting, I might just start writing in my  notebook, asking myself the question, “What is affecting me?’ I’ll jot down anything that comes into my mind: my suggestion has been ignored, we’re discussing something I don’t agree with, this is going to cost too much, this lunch isn’t very good…..whatever comes into my mind.

Then I reflect on the list and circle what jumps out as most important: such as “my suggestion is being ignored.” I decide to bring my thought up again with a fresh twist. By this time, the pounding in my chest has subsided. A little clear reflection and the animal within me relaxes and goes back to sleep. And when it does, I have access to all sorts of inner resources that help me function creatively in the meeting without the inner stress: a built in stability, non-judgmental awareness, clarity, openness and a commitment to enjoy life.

Living in chronic stress is not an acceptable option. We are left irritable, angry, uncomfortable and tight. The doors to a host of diseases are wide open  within us. We are deprived by stress of our inalienable right to pursue happiness.

It may sound too good to be true, but read The Inner Game of Stress, and apply the exercises to your own self. You will discover it not only is true, it is also simple. You can experience for your self that it works, that you have within you the resources to handle the challenges of life without the stress.

Note:  click the link above or here to hear the interviews with Lisa and the Authors: Segment 3 – Tim Gallwey, Segment 4- Dr. Horton, Segment 4 – Dr. Hanzelik