There are a number of steps one can take to not only decrease anxiety and discomfort associated with surgery, but also to speed up recovery time. One important and little known step in preparing for an operation is to talk to your body about what is going to happen. I know that sounds weird, so let me explain.

Embedded within our autonomic nervous system are self protective responses that are triggered in the presence of threats to our safety, real or perceived. When undergoing surgery, the nervous system may interpret the surgical intervention to be an attack on the body, and consequently go into a fight, flight, or freeze state in response to the procedure. This response, which may last long after the surgery is complete, would be counterproductive to the healing process, and so should be avoided or minimized if possible.

I first learned about this idea way back when I was an engineer working in aerospace. I was in a class about quality control and learned that Japanese automotive firms used the Kaizen principle in their manufacturing processes, achieving remarkably positive outcomes in product quality as well as employee well-being… little by little. But, it wasn't until recently that I realized I could use these same principles in all areas of my life.

My last post, "How are you today?" focused on the importance of feeling and expressing our emotions. Today we will look at the "how to" behind this. How do we become more emotionally aware? How do we make peace with our feelings and express them in healthy ways?

Back in my early twenties, shortly after beginning to do yoga regularly, I remember breaking into tears during savasana (that's the final relaxation pose.) I don't mean just once... it was happening everyday for a while. I asked my teacher what was the deal, and she…