Developing Resources

I think of resources as things that help people (and other beings!) feel good.  Art, exercise, friendships, routines and practices, and information are all resources.  Each resource feels good in its own way.  For example, creating or otherwise engaging in art may bring feelings of expansion and flow while physical exercise may bring feelings of strength and flexibility.  Relationships may make us feel warm, alive or cared for, while daily practices might help us feel connected and grounded.  Information and insight can help us feel oriented and understood.  There are probably millions of resources, and millions of ways of experiencing and engaging in them.  I love thinking about the diversity of resources—it makes me feel excited and full.  For me, thinking about resources is a resource!

In therapy, using resources looks like bringing attention to what feels good.  This can be in a broader way, perhaps by exploring self-care practices, or more focused on a specific thing, like noticing what in a relationship, or in a moment, feels good.  Bringing attention to the experience of a resource calms the nervous system and can create a felt sense of safety.  It also eases the way for bringing attention to more difficult experiences.  

Try it!  Find times to notice what is feeling good about a given moment.  The quality of your thoughts?  The feel of your hands?  The light on the wall or particular organization of a stack of books? Developing resources is a practice.  It can be hard or confusing at times.  There may be times when nothing feels good, or times when hanging out with a resource brings up something painful. But ride the waves, and you might find that noticing your resources opens options, brings clarity, and is just plain pleasant.