I suppose it might be helpful to offer an explanation of a Valkyrie before we get much further in today’s discussion. In the context of Norse mythology, a Valkyrie refers to the 12 female warrior figures who guided the souls of deceased Viking warriors from the battlefield to Valhalla, their interpretation of a heaven of sorts. I first learned about Valkyries from watching Vikings, and, as a matter of fact, they appear in the pilot episode of the show within the first ten minutes or so.
I recently finished the entire A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series by Sarah J. Maas, and the final text in the series, titled A Court of Silver Flames, focuses on Nesta Archeron and her character arc. Nesta begins warrior training and is exposed to some of the fighting and battle techniques the Valkyries created many years before. In ACOTAR, the figures of Valkyries are implied to have been fearsome warriors, so I do think there is a distinction between Norse Valkyries and Maas’s depiction and description of them.
Regardless, one of the Valkyrie techniques Nesta learns is called Valkyrie mind-stilling. I found myself quite drawn to it, arguably a result of my obsession with Norse mythology, and have actually been trying to put it into practice in my own life because I think it’s a great life skill for anyone to possess to better their overall mental health.
In the books, the technique is intended to soothe a warrior both mentally and physically in order to be the best solider possible. Essentially, it involves slowly inhaling through the nose and exhaling out the mouth; identifying any negative feelings or sensations in the body; recognizing and acknowledging the discomfort and allowing the thought to pass, as if you’re letting it go; visualizing yourself as a solid rock which waves crash into and wash over and letting thoughts enter your mind without reluctance.
So, as an example, say I am doing it, and while I am breathing, I identify a pain in my left knee. I’m going to acknowledge the pain, then let it go, seeing it fade away into black. Perhaps I next notice a dull ache in my lower back, and redo the process. Maybe a nagging thought rises to my attention, and I repeat the same step once more. I will repeat this step as often as necessary, all the while picturing myself as a rock and allowing the waves to crash into me and then wash over me.
Give it a try. You might surprise yourself.
ontheedgeofeverything 