“You’re here – I think it’s a beautiful gift that you give yourself and the people you interact with.”
We know it’s awkward out there—people can feel scary, the world is noisy, and our internal meters can be stuck on high alert. We’ll walk it through together, heart to heart, through three practical steps that have helped us—and countless clients—reset our threat sensors so we can meet the moment with still bodies, clear minds, and tender hearts.
Step 1 — Meter Reading
“It’s not about being right—it’s about the sense of relativity.”
Let’s start with where we are. At this point, watch your own internal scale as you read 0 = deeply relaxed from 10 = roof climbing. No judgement, no gold stars for the cold. Rick clocked in a “six” on the live call—enough activation to feel collective. “Let me out of the stall!” Energy while perusing bedtime stories in the next room. Kathy reminded us that there’s no point pretending to be Zen when our shoulders are around our ears.
Take a breath. Notice your feet, the air around your toes, the support under your seat. Enter your number. That simple act of awareness is the first rebuild.
Step Two — Honoring Our Primitive Brain
“Hey primitive brain, you’re working really hard.”
Our survival brains are powerful—think loyal puppies with a megaphone. It tries to run, fight or freeze long before we think. When the threats disappear (hello, viruses) the poor dog never gets proof that we’re safe, so it stays tough.
Instead of scolding the puppy, we praise it. That’s where EFT Tapping shines. Follow along; Feel free to change the words to make them ring true for you.
EFT Tapping Round – Appreciating the Primitive Brain
hand direction: Although my survival brain is now quite active, I still take care of myself. Even though my survival brain isn’t sure how to keep me safe, I’m here doing this silly thing with these other people, and they say it can help me recalibrate. Even though my survival brain has been really active for a while, I’m open to examining what’s scary and allowing myself to relax when appropriate.
above the head: My survival brain is pretty active.
eyebrows: Haven’t rested in a while.
next to the eyes: Hey primitive brain.
under the eyes: You are working really hard.
under the nose: I really appreciate how much you care.
china: Thank you for watching out for me.
Collarbone: I really appreciate how much effort you put into keeping me safe.
under the arm: I’m with you now, and right now we’re surprisingly safe.
above the head: I commend you, primitive brain—you are not alone.
eyebrows: We’ll figure it out.
next to the eyes: We can do it together.
Breathe slowly. Notice any objections that pop up; Mark them for tapping later.
Step Three – Feedback to Feedback
“I want to be reactive rather than reactive.”
When we sound the alarm, we hear whispers of true guidance. Rick likes the feeling of drawing his sensor-circle closer—embracing the 23 beating hearts on the faucet rather than the entire planet. Cathy compares it to learning to drive: on a freeway you see cars all around you, with only a faint awareness of distant lanes.
EFT Tapping Round – Selecting Responsiveness
hand direction: Although a part of me reacts to many things and I’m not always sure what my reaction is, I’m asking for my own clarity in each moment.
above the head: A part of me is reacting.
eyebrows: It is a response to many things.
next to the eyes: I want to be responsive.
under the eyes: Feedback is not good for me.
under the nose: It’s very hard on my system when my anxiety goes up.
china: I want more comfort.
Collarbone: I intend to have more clarity.
under the arm: It’s okay for me to feel in me.
Local focus, global heart
“O universe, draw my attention to those whom you will help me with.”
We care deeply – but we cannot carry the whole world. The rest frees up our bandwidth to the Universe (or Source, God, Life—use your words) where we are truly called.
EFT Tapping Round – Turning It Around
hand direction: Although there are a lot of things I can worry about and I want to take care of everyone, I can do a lot in my space, and stressing me out isn’t really helpful. What if I relax, take care of myself and those I am directed to serve, and give the rest back to the Universe?
above the head: Hey universe—I’m trying to do everything.
eyebrows: I do it a lot.
next to the eyes: It must be bigger than me.
under the eyes: Would you help, please?
under the nose: Draw my attention to those you want my help.
china: And I gave the rest to you.
Collarbone: Please help me keep my focus where you want me to keep it.
under the arm: Give me moments of quiet and peaceful love so I can recharge and recalibrate my threat sensors.
Grace dances awkwardly
“Maybe we’ll step on each other’s feet for once – and maybe we’re not doing anything wrong.”
Mask, no mask; Sanitizer drips; Six-foot sidesteps that feel like tangos with invisible partners. Our primitive brain wants everyone to follow our Choreography so we can be sure we’re right. But certainty is not necessary for safety or kindness.
EFT Tapping Round – Expressing Judgment
hand direction: While some people feel too irresponsible and others too reactive, I want to be clear about what is right for me and accept that it may be different for them.
above the head: Some people are just so irresponsible!
eyebrows: And some are completely over-reactive.
next to the eyes: My primitive brain messes with this.
under the eyes: It has been going on like this for ten thousand years.
under the nose: I am learning to balance myself.
china: I can say a borderline without going into reaction.
Collarbone: Awkward is ok.
under the arm: I choose responsiveness over responsiveness.
EFT Tapping Round – Strange Dance
hand direction: Even though it’s really weird and totally awkward—the music keeps changing—I’ll follow my own inner guidance, use the best information I can find, and love and accept myself (and others) as much as I can.
above the head: It’s really weird.
eyebrows: And totally awkward.
next to the eyes: I don’t always know what to do.
under the eyes: Maybe we’ll bump into each other.
under the nose: I will follow my guidelines daily.
china: Maybe we’re not doing anything wrong.
Collarbone: I love and accept myself anyway.
under the arm: and offer the same favor to others.
Let’s move forward together
We appreciate you coming for this exploration A one-percent shift—a notch down on your meter, an extra breath before reacting—changes your trajectory. Calm is contagious. As you reset your own sensors, you open a door for others to become fear-controlled.
If you hit a snag, write it down and tap. If you want deep support, us Reprogram your primal brain The series takes you step-by-step through releasing old traumas and strengthening resilience And if insights bubble up, share them with us support@thrivingnow.com—Together we expand the knowledge of our circle.
With admiration for your courage and your presence,
Rick and Kathy
