Spin Class

   I was spinning today.  My spinning has nothing to do with a spinning wheel or an exercise class.  My spinning is more like the dog chasing it's tail.  Spinning is what I do when too many ideas float around in my head or there is too much paperwork sitting on my desk.  Sometimes I spin when I become afraid, though that is happening less often these days. 
   Today's root cause was too many things to do, not enough time in which to do them, and having absolutely no idea of which task should be tackled first.  I have learned two important lessons about my spin cycle, which unlike my washing machine does not have a set time limit.  I have learned that if I don't stop, sit down and breath, it will only get worse.  Breaking the cycle is imperative.  So this morning I sat at my desk, lit my candle and simply stared at the flame and breathed.  It sounds so incredibly simple, but it works for me.  If I can keep my terrier brain distracted for at least ten minutes, I have a fighting chance of being able to manage the "to do" list.
   The second piece of wisdom I have discovered is to take one concrete action to resolve the most pressing issue in the pile of stuff.  One step is all it takes to redirect the spinning energy into a positive direction.  It is a shame to let all that energy go to waste.  Focus and direction are the name of the game.  Having breathed deeply for a few minutes, I picked up the phone and began to sort out the confusion of double booking two events.  While the booking problem has not been resolved yet, I made a start.
  Over the years, the spinning has become less and less.  The onset is recognisable and I can catch it before it has me dizzy.   Often in the past hormones have been the precipitating factor and now as they settle down it helps the spinning.  Also, I like to think I have become wiser and less flustered by life.  My goal is to someday only deal with the spin cycle on laundry day as the clothes get wrung out.  In the meantime,  breathing and action it is!