We all do it, and noticing when we’re doing it can be a very useful tool, especially when overwhelm is setting in.

What IS ‘stacking’??
It’s just what you might think it is.
It’s the mental collecting (or stacking) of thoughts: emotions, experiences, expectations, and outcomes.
And as the ‘stack’ gets larger, your emotional state is either higher, or lower… depending on if you’re stacking positive or negative thoughts.

When you’re on a roll and great things are coming at you left, right, and centre… this is positive stacking. You’re getting compliments, you’re feeling good, you’re feeling successful, you’re smiling ear to ear. Your energy is high. Maybe a promotion, or good luck, or a great hair day, or a new relationship, or beautiful weather, or you’re down a few pounds….
You know, those days when nothing can take you down?

Negative stacking is when you’re collecting and tabulating all the ‘bad’ in your life…. health issues, politics, COVID, misunderstandings, climate change, stressful relationships, financial distress, disappointments, online school, family responsibilities…
Ugh… it feels gross and heavy just listing them all in one place.

Look again at the top photo.

The heart wants to stack GOOD things.
The brain wants to stack BAD things.

The next time you’re feeling overloaded, catch yourself, and recognize exactly what you’re listing.
Notice if you’re predominantly stacking negatives.
Then, feel your feet in your shoes…
Take your awareness into you heart and into your belly…
Take a few deeps breaths….
On your inhales, think:
“I am grateful for…..”
As you exhale, list something you’re grateful for.

Do this several rounds.

There is ALWAYS something to be grateful for.
And the more you pay attention, the more there is to feel thankful for.
Stack your positives and you will very quickly change your emotional state.