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    What Is Stress The Reality

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    Dja
    This document discusses the origins and definition of stress, how it became applied to the human experience, and perspectives on reframing or removing the concept of stress. It traces the etymology of "stress" back to Latin roots meaning "to draw tight" and notes its original definitions related to hardship or pressure on objects. The document discusses how psychologists in the 1930s-1950s began applying it to describe psychological and physiological responses to perceived threats. The author argues that "stress" should not be universally applied across cultures and time periods. They suggest reframing stress as the body's natural response to perceived pressures rather than a condition to be managed or avoided. The document concludes by listing lifestyle habits like exercise

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    What Is Stress The Reality

    Uploaded by

    Dja
    39 views4 pages
    This document discusses the origins and definition of stress, how it became applied to the human experience, and perspectives on reframing or removing the concept of stress. It traces the etymology of "stress" back to Latin roots meaning "to draw tight" and notes its original definitions related to hardship or pressure on objects. The document discusses how psychologists in the 1930s-1950s began applying it to describe psychological and physiological responses to perceived threats. The author argues that "stress" should not be universally applied across cultures and time periods. They suggest reframing stress as the body's natural response to perceived pressures rather than a condition to be managed or avoided. The document concludes by listing lifestyle habits like exercise

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    What is Stress the Reality

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    This document discusses the origins and definition of stress, how it became applied to the human experience, and perspectives on reframing or removing the concept of stress. It traces the etymology of "stress" back to Latin roots meaning "to draw tight" and notes its original definitions related to hardship or pressure on objects. The document discusses how psychologists in the 1930s-1950s began applying it to describe psychological and physiological responses to perceived threats. The author argues that "stress" should not be universally applied across cultures and time periods. They suggest reframing stress as the body's natural response to perceived pressures rather than a condition to be managed or avoided. The document concludes by listing lifestyle habits like exercise

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    39 views4 pages

    What Is Stress The Reality

    Uploaded by

    Dja
    This document discusses the origins and definition of stress, how it became applied to the human experience, and perspectives on reframing or removing the concept of stress. It traces the etymology of "stress" back to Latin roots meaning "to draw tight" and notes its original definitions related to hardship or pressure on objects. The document discusses how psychologists in the 1930s-1950s began applying it to describe psychological and physiological responses to perceived threats. The author argues that "stress" should not be universally applied across cultures and time periods. They suggest reframing stress as the body's natural response to perceived pressures rather than a condition to be managed or avoided. The document concludes by listing lifestyle habits like exercise

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
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    of 4

    What is stress?

    Many of us, if not all, have heard of this word and more than likely are ruled by its definition. Because,
    remember the words we use when speaking can tie us into their tone and the reality they create by repetitive
    vibration when spoken.
    So yea, stress as a word has made life…very stressful.

    According to the etymology of the word, it is defined as follows:

    ‘stress (v.)
    c. 1300, "to subject (someone) to force or compulsion," from Middle French estrecier, from Vulgar
    Latin *strictures, from Latin stringere "draw tight," which also is the source of stress (n.). The figurative
    meaning "put emphasis on" is first recorded 1896, from notion of laying pressure on something by relying on
    it. Related: Stressed; stressing.
    stress (n.)
    c. 1300, "hardship, adversity, force, pressure," in part a shortening of Middle English distress (n.); in part
    from Old French estrece"narrowness, oppression," from Vulgar Latin *strictia, from Latin strictus "tight,
    compressed, drawn together," past participle of stringere "draw tight" (see strain (v.)). Meaning "physical
    strain on a material object" is from mid-15c. As an abstract force in mechanics from 1855. The purely
    psychological sense is attested from 1955.’ - etymonline

    Although there is some reference to how it relates to humans, it seems that the definition itself relates more
    to the idea of force being placed on a material object or the amount of strain created.

    So, when did stress become a concept applied to the human mind and body?
    Who can exactly say for sure? We do know that the development of Eurocentric ideals and concepts known
    as Medicine and Science had a strong boom during the 1800’s and 1900’s. The works of psychologists Hans
    Selye and Walter Cannon were fine-tuning the framework of how the term/word/sound vibration called
    stress would be used in psychology language/terminology in the 1930’s. And wouldn’t really be put into
    active use until the late 1940’s and 50’s; both psychologists being very careful to manage the impact of using
    this word within their practices.
    Another thing to be considered, psychology is a Eurocentric system designed to observe the human condition
    of the mind and body yet, other cultures had their own notions of observation and created their own
    framework of language, based on their cultural expression, for discussion. So, stress as a concept should only
    be applied to Eurocentric observation and not to, let’s say Nubian culture in the following way as an example:
    ‘The early Dogons dealt with stress through the guidance their divinations…’
    Although you can say or cite semantics, that the Dogons did deal with stress through certain cultural
    practices, you would be not be accurate as the term stress involves a framework of thinking that may or may
    not be reminiscent of certain cultural practices of the Dogon. In fact, since the framework had not really
    taken off until the 1800’s and involved an Eurocentric view on life, it cannot be directly compared to
    anything the Dogons did, since the Dogons already established frameworks of their own thousands of years
    before. Because, the mentality of a person who knows their ancestors and works with nature is radically
    moving in another direction than a person trying desperately to be heard by their creator and seeks to
    subsidize nature for profit.

    After reading different expressions of what stress is, I found a definition that was almost acceptable…for me
    that is:

    ‘Stress generally refers to two things: the psychological perception of pressure, on the one hand, and the
    body's response to it, on the other, which involves multiple systems, from metabolism to muscles to memory.
    Through hormonal signaling, the perception of danger sets off an automatic response system, known as the
    fight-or-flight response, that prepares all animals to meet a challenge or flee from it.’ – psychology today

    So basically…it’s all about present and past perceptions of pressure and how the body chooses a pattern
    to synergize with the pressure being placed on its integumentary(skin) system and its self-
    identity(ego/psyche/soul). Both of which are a form of connective tissue with a pattern of behavior stored in
    the brain and in each of the trillion of tissues involved. And yes, if you did miss it, I said that the self-identity
    or soul is a form of connective tissue…just not the tangible form we are used to discussing. And if you also
    missed, notice there was no mention of dealing or managing stress, just an explanation of choosing a
    pattern to synergize. Otherwise, we take the stance that stress is out to attack us.

    So what is my problem with the term/word stress?


    Well, for one, in my conversations with various people, the word stress comes across as a spell casted over
    their minds that suggests it is responsible for all the negative effects and experiences in their life. Next, it does
    not, at least in its current expression, relate to the how certain cultural practices that we experience in this
    country actually trains the brain to expect stress to be an on-going issue throughout their lives. And what
    about the lack of cultural practices that do not temper the mind and body with daily challenges that gradually
    strengthen the wholeness of a person over a period.
    Quite often, I will point out that most people are in a state of Chronic Stress. But what I really mean is that
    most people are pressured into a state of chronic stress or chronic indoctrination of stress.
    Stress, as a word, seems to literally rob an individual of the critical thinking it takes to build their
    responsibility or the ability to respond to external pressures and the pressures created internally based on
    perception. Because we all know that when someone asks, “what’s going on?” it's always easy to say, “I am
    stressed out!” then await that pat on the shoulder to offset all the, self-imposed at this point, pressure
    happening on the inside along with the silent pact “Yea, *beep* that stress…we’ll get them!”
    Oh and that’s why hugs are important because it causes the tightness in the body to expand and the
    opportunity to signal endorphins or tears to release more of that pressure. The hormone called Oxytocin is
    involved in that...see your brain does want you to win…but with purpose.
    Another part, is the imagery created by marketing that goes with the word or vibrational sound called stress,
    mostly will be people holding their heads, hands over eyes, hunched over or gripping their hair. So, wait a
    minute, how did something that describes a signal of pressure without any connotation of good or bad
    become something that would immediately lead to being victimized. And who is the predator?

    What are the changes that occur in the body?


    Well it seems that when there is growing signal of external pressure that is not minimized or synergized into
    usable force, the neural sensation triggers the release of many hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol,
    that race through the body to reach every cell, the heart speeding up the heartbeat to increase circulation of
    the hormones, the kidneys mobilizing the liver to breakaway bonds in stored fat to release sugar for fast
    energy, the brain hyper-mobilizing the senses focusing attention, the nervous system primed preparing
    muscles for action, and more.
    All due to something getting through our ability to minimize or synergize pressure causing our internal bodies
    to brace for either a real or imaginary impact.
    And it takes some time for the body to calm down after the stress response has been triggered because
    hormones are long-lasting unlike the quick neural firing of the nervous system. Another thing, feelings of
    being nurtured are difficult to comprehend when all your neural firing and organ activity involved in digestion
    have been practically shut off.
    Interesting.
    And it’s all perception of what we call a threat…being something that we cannot immediately and responsibly
    minimize, neutralize or synergize in the moment.
    Which means that something as simple as a fly landing on someone’s arm can send all this into motion. Oh,
    by the way, I am not a medically trained specialist in this field of study. I am just sharing my view based on
    being a living individual on this planet who felt that stress needs to re-defined or discarded from our
    vocabulary. My basis? Well, myself…for one and the probably thousand people I seen as a Massage
    Therapist.
    So yea, getting back to that fly. To you, it may be as simple as waving a hand…

    So are we managing stress or managing its created reality within us?


    We may be actively managing the existence of stress within us as you would manage the upkeep of a building
    rather managing the effects of the pressures of life we deem difficult.
    Strangely enough, living a lifestyle that deals with the naturalness of nature will allow stress to be a life-builder
    rather than a life crusher. You know, the average person especially the Nubian does not responsibly or
    organically engage in a lifestyle that is natural.
    And I am not talking about those of you who are or feel you are.
    I am talking individuals who don’t:

    go for walks when their body says to…but wait for Fitbit to tell them
    look forward to getting sun in the early part of the day
    thank their ancestors
    warm-up their bodies or exercise on daily basis just because they feel the need
    rest when their bodies call for rest
    eat healthy
    and the list goes on…

    These simple things help the body maintain their pressures and helps the thalamus and hypothalamus regulate
    balance/Ma’at/homeostasis otherwise you attempt to force control from the naturalness of your body and
    mind.

    Remember you need light and sound that is healthy. Stress is a signal…not a reality.
    Going to get some SUN now…

    For more information on how I arrived at these conclusions or for information about my massage therapy:

    [email protected]

    Rise in Excellence,

    DjaDja N Medjay

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