The human startle reflex is with us from the time that we're babies. We may hear a loud noise or suddenly feel un-contained physically or unstable in gravity, and in reaction, our whole body will jump to attention with a force we didn't expect or consciously call up. With effort, we can meet these moments of surprise with self-care. We can practice orienting our awareness to ourselves and to our surroundings. This effort can help us to stay calm and alert, while the body is being called to attention and to react on our behalf. How do you stay connected to yourself and to your surroundings when life throws you a curve ball?
[image description: A heart with a concerned facial expression runs from left to right and a pheasant runs along with the heart, with the anthropomorphic thought, "You must learn to rest in your reaction to surprise." Both the pheasant and the heart appear to be fleeing something that is not pictured. Text reads: "Pheasant Meditation."]
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