I carry my stress in my neck and shoulders, but why does it get tight there?

Think about where you carry a backpack, hoist a child, or shoulder a heavy load. Our backs and shoulders are remarkably well designed for carrying—and when life feels heavy, many of us brace in those same places.

Sometimes the load is quite literal. Forty hours leaning toward a computer can strain a body that wasn’t designed to work that way. Better ergonomics, movement, or bodywork may help redistribute the physical load.

But if your shoulders rise when life gets difficult, ask another question: Is everything I’m carrying actually mine to carry?

Responsibility has weight. But so do outcomes, expectations, other people’s decisions, and futures we cannot control.

There’s a reason surrender is central to so many faith and contemplative practices. Peace requires learning what to carry—and what to put down.

Next time you realize your shoulders are creeping up, notice what you’re bracing against. This content was provided by Bethany Grace at Waniya Healing located in Lanesboro, MN. For more information, contact 612-790-7101 or visit www.waniyahealing.com.