We create our own stress. We do it with our thoughts. It naturally follows that if our thoughts make up our stress, our thoughts can also eliminate stress.

There is no stress in the universe. There is a flow, a give and take, a reciprocial harmony, the gentle interaction of natural laws of attraction. This universal flow can be put to use to enhance our personal flow, particularly when that flow seems to be clogged with worry and fear.

Deadline Stress

Where do deadline's come from? We make them up. And we can just as easily unmake them. The major times I experience stress is when I've decided something should happen by a time of my own choosing and that doesn't turn out to be the universe's plan at all. Interestingly enough, it always ends up that I'm the one that has to change. We impose deadlines on ourselves all the time. We make appointments too close together, we agree to do things we should have declined to do. "No" is a great stress reliever. Releasing items from your "To Do" list is another. In business it is a good plan to under promise and over deliver. Then everyone is pleasantly surprised.

Stress Over the Behavior of Others

We worry about our children, our parents, our friends, our significant other. We want them to make the "right" choices. But whose "right" are we talking about? A major cause of stress over others is that we want control, we want it to be done our way, which happens to be the only way we would be comfortable doing it.

We each must walk our own path. We must each make our own choice. That is how we learn. That is how we deepen the experience that guides us in future choices. It is not up to us to take that journey away from anyone by trying to make them do their journey our way. Everyone's journey is uniquely theirs. Each person's journey must be taken by them alone.

As we embrace a belief that there is only one energy and each of us is an expression of that infinite energy, then we know that no one is alone. We are each a part of a wholeness so great it is unimaginable. We are guarded and guided every step of the way.

How Do You Release Stress?

Detach yourself. Become non-attached. Put it in a fresh perspective. Make new choices. Do you choose to let yourself get sick because of certain papers on your desk that need something done to them? Do you choose to ignore your own need for rest or nourishment because you very much want to have a vote in what someone else is choosing. When someone you love is sick or making what you perceive as dangerous choices, move into trust and faith. Release them to their highest good and know the outcome will be perfect.

Non-attachment does not mean not caring. It means releasing it to its own natural fulfillment. If I put out an idea at a meeting I can be very attached to its acceptance as the way things should be or I can put it out and let it take the form the group needs for it to take. It may be embraced, it may be tabled, it may be dropped, it may be altered. I offer the idea because it was an intuitive nudge from my inner wisdom. Period. I have offered and I release it.

Non-attachment does not mean you don't help. But first you need to ask if the person wants your help or advice. Sometimes in our good intentions to assist we are actually sending the message "You can't do that, you're not good enough to do that." That is a very disempowering message to send.

How Do You Change Your Vibration When You Are Under Stress?

Without going too deeply into the Law of Attraction, we can basically say that like attracts like. When we are vibrating to worry and angst we will definitely attract more of the same worry and angst. To move from stress to peace we must change our vibration. There are definitely things we can do.

• Consciously let go of any concern about the result or outcome.
• Align yourself with wholeness
• Trust
• Practice non attachment
• Stay in the "now,"
• Don't worry about "what if."
• Under promise and over deliver.
• Say "no." Choose only activities that nourish and satisfy you.
• Let go of the need to control: a situation, another's actions, an outcome.
• Ask someone to help you hold your faith steady (friend, spiritual counselor).
• Allow circumstances to unfold at their own pace. You cannot force a flower to bloom.
• Exchange fear for trust. Fear contributes to your negative thought.
• Trust your fundamental beliefs to hold you. Remember that you are a contributing member to a Universe of Love. You are innately whole and serene.
• Move from your head to your heart by consciously breathing in wholeness to fill your body.
• Know that everyone is part of one infinite energy
• You are only responsible for your own thoughts and actions. (That should keep you busy enough!)
• Lower and eliminate stress by changing your thoughts and awareness.
• Look at the situation from another viewpoint.
• If you like the results and experiences you are doing, keep doing what you are doing..
• If you find areas you desire to change, simply change your vibration by changing your thought.

Creating Your Own Path

My favorite new thing to do is to pick out qualities I want to experience at the beginning of each day: flow, clarity, peace, serenity, discovery, insights, completion, awareness, laughter, joy. The next day when I journal I note what has manifested. I usually get what I have asked for.

You make your own stress. You can unmake your own stress. Watch your mind and monitor it. Thank it for it's worrisome, negative, you-can't-do-it thoughts and in their place put your alignment with the natural flow of the universe, trusting and knowing that when you listen to your inner wisdom each choice will lead you in the perfect direction.

Practice non-attachment. Allow things to happen at their own pace. Then watch the natural unfolding of miracle after miracle around you.

© Cara Lumen 2005

Cara Lumen, The Vision Distiller, is a content strategist and internet marketing coach who combines innovative ideas with attraction marketing to help proactive entrepreneurs create a compelling and profitable presence on the internet. An international author, a motivational teacher, an engaging speaker, Cara love to help others bring their vision to life. Find more articles like this in The Success Magnets Emagazine at www.caralumen.comt www.caralumen.com