Holding Fingers
This comes from an ancient Japanese healing tool called Jin Shin Jyutsu. There are many nerve endings in your fingers. All you have to do is hold a finger and BREATHE. After a little while of holding your finger and breathing, you’ll magically feel better!
Any time you need a little extra help, just hold a finger! Your hands are always right there with you and most of the time, no one will notice what you’re doing with your hands. Even if they notice, it doesn’t matter, because they won’t know what you’re doing. It can be your own secret way to help yourself feel better!
Worry: If you’re worried, hold your thumb with the other hand for 5 minutes or as long as it takes for you to feel better. Notice how after some time of holding the thumb, you can feel your heart beat in your thumb.
Fear: If you’re scared, hold the index finger(the second finger) with the opposite hand. Don’t push the fear away, just notice that you’re scared and feel how your finger feels in your hand. Know that you’re safe – you have this tool to help you.
Anger: If you’re mad or upset, hold the middle finger. It doesn’t matter which middle finger, the right or the left. You can even go back and forth.
Sadness: If you’re sad, hold the ring finger – the fourth finger. Feel that you’re sad, but remember to BREATHE! Think about how the finger feels in your hand.
Trying too hard: If you have the habit of over efforting, hold the baby finger (the pinkie finger.) Hold it until you feel yourself start to relax and calm down.
Remember the Acronym: Get rid of Worry FAST
Thumb: Worry
Index Finger: Fear
Middle Finger: Anger
Ring Finger: Sadness
Pinkie Finger: Trying to (Striving)
As you’re loosely holding each finger, you may enjoy using these mantras.
Thumb: I am grateful
Index Finger: I am safe, supported and protected
Middle Finger: I am filled with peace
Ring Finger: I am joyful
Pinkie Finger: I am enough
Note: You may hold just one finger for as long as you like, or alternate fingers, spending one or two minutes on each finger. Great to use in the middle of the night as well, if I wake up worried or anxious – I use this tool a lot. Enjoy! And let me know how it works for you...
