Krystal Barschig

When we are afraid, we experience what is called the “acute stress response,” also referred to as “fight-or-flight.” Part of what happens physically is that our muscles tense (in preparation for action), and we have laser-sharp focus… which can translate to tunnel vision of sorts. In true fight-or-flight moments we need this; these physical responses governed by the sympathetic nervous system are what can potentially keep us alive. Conversely, the parasympathetic nervous system governs rest, recovery, restoration, and replenishment. Translation: do not skip savasana! 😉

The sympathetic nervous system can get stuck in overdrive as fear often exists in our imagination of what might happen (stress and anxiety, anyone?) or in reflection of what could have happened. In other words, fortunately for most of us these true fight-or-flight moments are rare, but the body can’t distinguish between real and perceived danger — stress is stress is stress.

So, when we get accustomed to living in that fear-induced state, we act and react from this place of very small, restricted, narrow focus, and we can’t see the whole picture. Needless to say, that positioning doesn’t best serve us for everyday living or any sort of living outside of that millisecond of emergency response.

In your yoga practice (a.k.a life), I invite you to practice with the intention of opening, expanding, and broadening your focus and perspective — seeing and sensing from all planes of the body, strengthening proprioception. This involves an inward awareness of your body, your self, as well as an outward kinesthetic awareness of your body in space and your self in the world.

Here is a breathing exercise from Donna Farhi that I like to do to physicalize these abstract concepts of expansiveness and inclusion:

Bring one hand to your diaphragm (right under your sternum). In your visual field, find a stationary physical object or point on which to focus. Take a really hard, narrow focus, even squinting your eyes. Try to exclude everything from your field of vision except that point. Notice your breath. Is it shallow? Tight? Restricted?

Now keep that same object or point in sight, but also open your peripheral vision, sensing the visual fields to the sides and slightly behind you. Look from behind your eyes, receiving instead of retrieving images. Notice your breath.

For me this practice illustrates the power of softening, widening, expanding, and including: we can see more and with greater awareness. Imagine applying this practice to other areas of your life.