have you tried pipe cleaners?

“You look like you’re on a mission”.Out of breath and not really in the mood to chat, I reluctantly slowed down, stopping about 10 feet away from the person who called out to me. I replied that I was walking at a good pace to burn off some nervous energy on a brisk January day after spending the morning unsuccessfully trying to avoid the weight of world news that left me with a buzzing mind and a clenched body.“Have you tried pipe cleaners?”I had to admit that I hadn’t.“Pipe cleaners?” I asked.Apparently pipe cleaners can be used like soft fidget gadgets that are comforting to manipulate when feeling anxious, according to this kind stranger.Char, as I came to know her, told me that she is autistic person and is always looking for new ways of self-soothing to help her stay calm during stressful times. Pipe cleaners remind her of the satiny soft edges of a baby’s blanket and that comforts her.I told her that I had never thought about using something soft and that I have a few stones and gemstones to hold when I work at my desk.After she offered a few other suggestions, I thanked Char for her generosity in sharing her calming ideas with me and continued on my way thinking that there are teachers everywhere!  And that I would have missed this unique moment in time if I had power-walked right passed it.What are your favourite fidget objects for managing stress? What other soothing manoeuvres have you that found that comfort you through when you're feeling anxious?If you need a few other ideas, check out my YouTube series called “Soothing Manoeuvres: Calming Practices for Chaotic Times”.What would it look like to keep your heart open for the teachers who show up unexpectedly in your life?