Interview with Dr. Laura Maciuika – Author of Conscious Calm: Keys to Freedom from Stress and Worry

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Dr. Laura Maciuika is a licensed psychologist, author and teacher. Laura has a passion for helping people experience the transformation of old patterns and internal blocks into new-found inner freedom and happiness. She has over 20 years’ experience working with individuals and groups in settings including workshops and seminars, community mental health, schools, companies and universities. Conscious Calm: Keys to Freedom from Stress and Worry is her first book. Connect with Laura at her blog, http://consciouscalm.com, through Facebook.com/lauramaciuika, Twitter.com/lauramaciuika, or LinkedIn.com/lauramaciuika. You can also download the Table of Contents and first chapter of Conscious Calm through Facebook.com/consciouscalm.

Thank you for this interview, Laura. You’re currently on tour with your book Conscious Calm: Keys to Freedom From Stress and Worry. So let’s start with the big question: Why are we all so stressed these days?

A: That is the big question! Here are three major reasons. For one, we mainly behave like “human doings” rather than human beings, which is stressful since that’s not our natural state. Then we tend to live with our mental and emotional energy divided between the past, future and present; this too causes stress, since our bodies live only in the present. Sounds obvious, but we often don’t live as if that’s true. Finally, many stressed people do lots of thinking, planning, worrying – and that mental activity all occurs up in the head. Some stressed people don’t feel their bodies unless they get a headache, or get sick. Being cut off from the information the body gives us also creates stress, and leads to the body needing to scream louder and louder to get our attention.

Tell us about your book and what started you on the journey to writing it.

A: I’ve been working with people in all kinds of settings for years. So many people are feeling anxious and stressed; it really is like an epidemic. For some people it seems to happen out of nowhere, they suddenly realize they’re over the top with stress and tension. For others it’s obvious they’re too stressed, they’ve felt that way for years, but it feels like one more thing on the To Do list to figure out where to start. I thought it could be helpful to have a book out there that breaks stress down simply, focusing on the inside job of stress. What are we doing internally that either stresses us more or frees us up? How do thoughts and emotions work, anyway, and where do they fit in with stress relief? And what are simple things people can do that make a big difference, without taking a lot of time?

The techniques and exercises you use combine Eastern and Western traditions, but you don’t use words like ‘meditation’. How did you combine those areas without going, for lack of a better term, ‘New Agey’?

A: Thanks for noticing that! Yes, I did want to keep the language simple and not get either all jargony with psycho-babble or bring in fuzzier New Age terms. I’ve been surprised, though, at the number of people who have thanked me for not using the words “meditation” or “visualization.” I always prefer information that’s useful and straightforward, and I believed that stressed people looking for answers might too. So I tried to distill the best information in my experience from both western and eastern perspectives and put it into clear, usable language and easy steps.

What sets Conscious Calm apart from other books about stress management and relief?

A: Most stress books I’ve seen in the self help arena tend to include techniques for prioritizing outside tasks to reduce stress, or self care tips. And those are important. But most books do not include information about how the mind and body actually work – how and why we get so stressed, and what can make the fastest, lasting difference. I wanted to write a book that focused on the inside story of the hidden stress traps we fall into, often without even noticing. I wanted to describe how stress and calm work in the body and mind, and where we really do have more control and choice than we may be aware of. Conscious Calm won’t give you three more things to add to your To Do list, but it will give you plenty to consider about your own patterns of stress and calm.

In the title of the book, you have Keys to Freedom from Stress and Worry. Why did you put worry in with stress? Do you feel that worry causes most of our stress?

A: Worry is the mental part of anxiety. Adding fuel to the worry fire certainly can add to stress, because it makes the body more tense and anxious. Most stressed people worry a lot, and many people who worry a lot are stressed and anxious; they kind of go hand in hand.

If you could give one piece of advice to the average person out there looking for some relief, what would it be?

A: Most stressed people can do themselves a big favor by activating their attention. To notice when they are focusing on something that is not happening right now, and bring themselves back to the present, to what’s in right in front of them. To become aware when stories about the past or future have taken over, or when worry or other mental activities have gotten intense. Practice returning to present time and dropping into the body more often; using the breath as an anchor can help. This will allow you to feel less stressed, and also to notice more of what you want and need right now. That might be as simple as needing a glass of water, or you may notice a deeper heart’s desire.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A: Yes – that when we are stressed and worried, the quality of our lives can’t possibly be as high. Finding ways to unhook from internal stress brings greater happiness partly because we are able to be more present with ourselves and with others. It’s easier and more natural to enjoy life again, instead of waiting for a vacation or for the kids to finally start school! We all deserve to enjoy our lives fully – avoiding inner stress patterns and connecting with calm naturally leads to greater happiness and meaning.

Thank you for this interview, Laura. Good luck on your online book tour!

A: Thank you, it’s been a pleasure.

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