Over the last few weeks, I’ve watched the stream of fear, disbelief, anxiety, rage, and division flying through my social feeds.
No matter where you call home, we are all connected and everyone I know feels the tension in our world.
Here are the jumbled thoughts that have been tumbling about in my heart and mind all week.
take time
My heart aches for the people who are feeling afraid, shocked, angry, traumatized, unsafe, anxious, and stressed.
You are not alone.
Your feelings are real and true.
Give yourself time to feel what you feeling.
stay embodied
Your body is the home of your soul, listen to it, stay connected to it.
How is your body feeling?
What is it trying to communicate to you?
What does your body need right now?
Rest. Stretch. Wrap yourself in a blanket. Float in the sea. Cry. Laugh. Ask for a hug.
During times of trauma it’s tempting to leave your body by shutting down, numbing out, or distracting. Do this instead.
go within, then go out
The outer world reflects the inner world.
Notice the outer world issues that are triggering for you and get curious about what that means.
Where do you hold patterns or beliefs of division, scarcity, fear, people pleasing, not enoughness, shutting down, lack of safety, or feeling unsupported?
The night of the elections, my family was staying in Tijuana. We had a room next to an American who was expressive in his racist and homophobic beliefs. Matt questioned his statements {I was working with clients and didn’t hear their conversation}.
A few days later, this man sent me an email filled with vitriol and hate. It spun me around in fear and confusion. I could feel my old people pleasing / conflict avoiding patterns activate and I fearfully contemplated not writing about the election.
That night, I wrote a 2000 word post and uncomfortably worked through my triggers. The next morning, I woke up and each and every word I had written had mysteriously been deleted. Maybe it’s a sign? No, it’s a pattern. I will not allow fear-based patterns to control my life. If anything, it’s a sign there’s more work to be done.
What does the outer world activate in your inner world and how can you bring healing to it?
Do the work to align your internal world with love; then take aligned action in the external world.
We are being called to wholeheartedly take a stand for what matters. Do what you can to make our world safer, saner, and healthier. Please.
replenish
In the chaos and conflict of the election season, I felt my not-so-friendly-friend anxiety creeping into my life again. Self-care was a necessity.
At times like this, self-care is a necessity.
Turn off technology. Journal, create, and meditate. Breathe into your belly. Sink your toes into nature. Hug the people and animals you love. Opt out of drama. Go to therapy. Settle into Savasana. Connect with your tribe.
see clearly
This is an awakening. We have watched systems crumble under the pressure of consumption, disconnection, divisiveness, and fear. Now, we can see with clear eyes and know with courageous hearts just how much work needs to be done.
love
This is a calling. We are being asked to rise up and double down, on Love.
No matter who the leader of your country is, you are the leader of your life.
Lead well by living well.
Take care of our world by taking care of your world.
Ask yourself, how can I add more love to myself, my work, my relationships, and my community?