Learn how to be a better Good Samaritan for pets at the Sunbear Squad web site.

Learn to Control Your Emotions Using SCRAPS

When you are faced with a possible pet neglect or abuse situation, you might become upset. However, you need to be strong and calm in this situation, so that you will remember what you know. You need to make excellent decisions. Control your emotions like a humane professional would.

Six deep breaths and six powerful words will help you regain self-control. Each phrase builds upon the previous one. First, close your eyes and tilt your head down. Stand with your feet a little bit apart if you can.

S (strong)
Breathe in deeply, and repeat to yourself while you exhale:
"I am Strong. I am Strong. I am Strong."
This is the first step in the process. Remind yourself that you are strong. Recall a potent memory if that helps.

C (calm)
Breathe in deeply, and repeat to yourself while you exhale:
"I am Calm. I am Calm. I am Calm."
With your strength called forth, calm yourself. Assume command of your emotional balance.

R (rational)
Breathe in deeply, and repeat to yourself while you exhale:
"I am Rational. I am Rational. I am Rational."
With calmness, you can call forth your rational mind. Your learning and experiences can surface to support you in this situation.

A (aware)
Breathe in deeply, and repeat to yourself while you exhale:
"I am Aware. I am Aware. I am Aware."
Now it’s time to focus your eyes, ears, and nose on the here and now. Be very observant so you may recall details later.

P (prepared)
Breathe in deeply, and repeat to yourself while you exhale:
"I am Prepared. I am Prepared. I am Prepared."
You've progressed through the strong, calm, rational, and awareness breaths. Now you are prepared to act with all of your mental and emotional powers harnessed. You are ready. Open your eyes and proceed.

S (Sunbear)
Breathe in deeply, and repeat to yourself while you exhale:
"Remember Sunbear. Remember Sunbear. Remember Sunbear."
Remember that you are making the world a better place for pets with the help of Sunbear's web site and support tools. This thought will give you extra confidence and resolve.

Open your eyes and look up. You are emotionally prepared to make excellent decisions now.

To help you remember the word SCRAPS, here are two ideas.

1-Think of table scraps, those bits of leftover human food left on dinner plates. Picture the dog or cat in trouble eating yummy table scraps offered by a loving hand.

2-Repeat the 6 words all quickly: strong - calm - rational - aware - prepared - Sunbear. See the words in your mind's eye as you say them. See the words written in your handwriting. Now write the 6 words down on a "SCRAP" of paper and put it in your wallet. When you next see the SCRAP in your wallet, say the 6 words again. Keep the paper SCRAP in your wallet.

Words are the most powerful force on earth. What you say to yourself changes your feelings and behavior. SCRAPS breathing is your secret weapon for emotional balance in challenging situations. Be the best you.


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