It starts in my ears 
the slow rush of waves
gentle and softly soothing
lulling me into pseudo-safety.
Sound begins to pound
expropriating attention
crashing into consciousness
alerting the amygdala.
The storm of sensation
sparks “fight or flight”
but the only flight I feel
is a flight to fight.
In a matter of seconds
a tsunami rages within
bursts forth inexorably
destroying all in its path.
Is there a divergent way
away from the amygdala
hearing that first soft sound
and heeding its warning?
Pondering possibilities
rethinking reactivity
considering choices
I drift off to sleep.
Once again, I’m participating in #blogElul, which I have followed for a few years. In past years, I’ve found it helpful as I ponder and reflect in the month before the High Holidays – Yamim Noraim. Check out some of the amazing themed posts geared around the work and joy of Elul – of introspection and reflection in the days leading to the High Holy Days (Organized by Ima Bima.) You can read prior years’ #blogElul posts via the Elul tag.
