Feeling the weight and emotion of what seems like the whole world being against us is a lot to bear. It can be overwhelming. It can be the source of a deep anxiety, underlying discontent and irritability that cannot be shaken.
While the days and years ahead will have many challenges for many of us to rise up to, it’s deeply important to take a scheduled and even a few unscheduled pauses from high energy alert, defense and fight for preservation. We must pace ourselves and make sure we are healthy in mind, body and soul for the long run.
Turn off the news and social media once in a while – it will be there later.
It’s ok to let the shit storm swirl without your eyes on it. It’s good practice to shut off all of the noise, the pictures, the constant information flow once in a while and enjoy life outside of it. The bad news will still be there when you come back. If the world is going to end imminently, someone will call or text you.
Let yourself have a good cry when you need it. It feels good to let that shit go.
Storing up anxiety, angst, stress, fear and sadness isn’t good for you at all. If you feel it, wake to it, or just find yourself ready to give up in it all, a good healthy cry can be an immense release. Wring out your emotional dish rag and let it out.
Don’t be afraid to cut the cord on toxic people, places and things.
Life is going to be stressful enough with all of the negative energy being hurled toward us. Make some life choices about the environment in which you live, who’s in it and how you relate to it. Life is too short to exist in with hateful negative people. Don’t be afraid to pause your connection with toxic people even if temporarily. Look for ways to change your life up to put yourself in a more positive and supportive environment. Draw some damn boundaries.
Cultivate a healthy part of your life outside of the fight – refuge from the noise.
This is the fight of our generation, or at least the time. It’s going to take all of us paying attention, taking action, showing up and in some cases fighting for our rights and freedoms. Our lives however cannot be all about this. To stay balanced and healthy it’s important to have a career, hobbies, social activities and self care routines that are separate from the fight.
Seek spiritual food, sources of strength and growth to refuel and power your soul.
Silence is the place of the heart where our wisdom can show up, our Gods can speak to us, and our minds can relax. I am a big believer in various forms of meditation, there’s great apps for that. Read a book, write in a journal, whatever the case carve out some time each day for some alone time with all the information sources silenced.
Build a tighter bonds with chosen family, friends and other safe spaces of fellowship.
We are all going to need to band together in ways like never before. Now is the time to build tighter bonds, longer bridges, and get off the couch to go be with people who get us. We need to support our fellows and we need their support and encouragement when times get rough. Having like minds we can confide in is the essence of mental and spiritual health. Be that friend you want others to be.
Smoker of fine tires, eater of natural foods, connoisseur of aromatic leathers, pusher of limits.