Effects of Codependency  on Body—Mind Susan Kramer

Codependency means we are depending on something outside ourselves to provide a sense of wellbeing, when we are in the position of being a self-sustained adult.

The young child dependent on its parent is not being codependent; the elderly or sick person dependent on others' care is not being codependent.

When we rely on an outside source for happiness, we create tension and stress in our mind-body; we can never be sure we are going to get what we need to make us feel complete.

To return to our state of feeling harmonious in our mind and body means we must provide our own happiness, internally and externally; not be dependent on another person or source to make us happy.

When we feel stress and tension (such as depending on happiness to be supplied by an outside source), it may show itself by mental upset and physical stress in its myriad forms such as headache, stomach ache, raised blood pressure, muscle aches from holding tension, and on and on.

Here are some hints I use as a yoga practitioner to regain balance and harmony:
1. Breathe evenly when feeling mental stress—count 1, 2, breathe in and count 3, 4, breathe out;
2. Go for a walk or do another aerobic exercise;
3. Meditate and do hatha poses;
4. Adopt a positive and caring attitude;
5. Work productively.

We are eternal Self, wearing the garment of emotion-mind-body. Happiness is experienced by a tension-free mind and an easy body when we are living in harmony and balance with those around us and with our environment.

Happiness and harmony can be experienced joyfully when we keep our actions for the best resolve of situations, and care to share with a giving rather than a needy attitude.

Awareness precedes change

Positive change results when we become aware of and accept a better way.

We feel a new way is better when we experience more peacefulness, or harmony, or joy, than by continuing in the old way.

As we all want happiness, we should welcome and incorporate our expanded insights—increasing our capacity for happiness in the process.

Blame

By our free will we choose how to react to others and circumstances. Acting for the highest good brings the most positive results.

The intent to be positive and to act positively in negative circumstances transforms.

Positive acts in response to negativity change the negative to positive self-growth in us.

Our body remains relaxed and our mind stays free of tension and anxiety when we choose to act for the highest good. These mind and bodily signs are our personal indications that we are choosing the best course of action.

Effects of Codependency on Body—Mind ã 2003 Susan Kramer
Web site http://www.susankramer.com
Email susan@susankramer.com
Photo of bluetits by Stan Schaap

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