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A Simple Practice for Overwhelm: Engage Your Senses

Lately, my kitchen has been a lab for gluten-free sourdough (with mixed results!). As I kneaded, waited, and watched the dough rise, I realized how this process became a gentle metaphor for tending to overwhelm. When life feels complicated or burdensome, slowing down and engaging your senses can be a powerful way to ground yourself—just as I did with the bread.

Instead of trying to "solve" the overwhelm, I invite you to pause and notice:

• Smell: What comforting or neutral scents are around you? (Coffee, a candle, cool air?)
• Touch: Notice textures—the softness of a sweater, the smoothness of a desk, the warmth of a mug in your hands.
• Sight: Find one visually pleasant or interesting object to rest your eyes on, even for a few breaths.

This isn’t about fixing the problem; it’s about finding steadiness in the midst of it. The next time you feel a wave of “This is too much,” try engaging your senses as an anchor.

Surviving The Holidays: Discover Your Holiday Parts

The holidays are nearly upon us, and it’s so common to notice different "parts" of ourselves showing up. Maybe you recognize the People-Pleaser, the Perfectionist, the Protector, the Nostalgic Child, the Martyr, or the Escapist within you. Each part brings its own wisdom and challenges.

Curious which part is most present for you this season? Take my Holiday Parts Quiz to find out, and explore how to work with these parts in my upcoming Surviving The Holidays sessions.

Register for Surviving The Holidays

• In person: November 15th, 9:30am – Register for the in person workshop
• Online: November 13th, 5pm PT | 7pm CT & November 14th, 7am PT | 9am CT Signup for Zoom sessions

Other Upcoming Offerings

• Befriend Your Story: Zoom based session - November 25th, 6:30pm CT & December 12th, 8am CT – Reserve your spot for Befriend Your Story
• Tending Together: Free zoom based sessions - November 18th, 10am CT; December 4th, 6pm CT & December 16th, 10am CT – Join the Tending Together community
• Already joined? RSVP on the events tab

For a full list of current offerings and events, visit the Classes & Events page.

Tending Together Reflections - Find the Sensation

Think of a small challenge you’re facing right now. Take a moment to scan your body:

• Location: Is the sensation in your shoulders, chest, or stomach?
• Size: Does it feel like a small knot or something expansive?
• Sensation: Is it tight, heavy, fluttery, hot?

Instead of trying to change it, bring a curious, gentle attention to that place. Maybe place a hand over the area. This simple act tells your nervous system, “I am here with you.”

Healing happens in connection, not isolation. If you’re curious about working together or have questions about these practices, simply reply to this email—I’d love to hear from you. Your reflections and experiences help shape this community.

With warmth and gratitude,

~ Kimberly Erickson
Growing Harmony Within

P.S. For more resources, reflections, and upcoming offerings, you’ll always find the latest on the Growing Harmony Within website. If you’d like to share your experience with these practices or have a question, just reply—I genuinely love hearing from you.