These past months have been filled with confusion, anger, and fear for many in this country.
Witnessing deportations without due process, assaults on the courts and universities, flip flopping tariffs, and military action have shaken the foundational sense of safety and justice for many Americans.
I’ve been listening to you and engaging in many conversations about how to live in balance during these times.
When the world seems hostile, disrespectful, and unsafe, it’s a really good time is to explore how to navigate with sturdiness, skill, and soul.
Soul first.
What’s the highest ideal that guides you? Perhaps love, compassion, generosity, or kind understanding? Whatever has guided you thus far is important in this moment of history. The challenge is how you apply that ideal in a practical manner through your energy, thoughts, words, and deeds.
When you’re hair’s on fire or you’re shaking under the covers, it might be a challenge to view people or situations who trigger you with compassion. That’s understandable.
So body next.
Remember how important it is to breathe. Deep, slow breaths. Long exhales to calm the nervous system. Square breathing. However you choose to practice breathing will be helpful.
Soothing your nervous system with the power of HeartBreathing brings you into greater organization. This means you’ve got full access to the wisdom of your brains (gut, heart, head). Allowing you to return to a centered, calm state to determine how to proceed. This supports emotional regulation so you can tolerate what you’re facing. [The Self Soothe Strategy guides you through this.]
Where’s your mind focusing?
If you’re reactive to the many media news streams (including your inner dialogue or friend’s opinion), it’s easy to get distracted and dysregulated. Frustration and fear love a reactive mind. So does the opposition or whomever you’re getting all riled up with.
When your mind-body is organized, it’s easier to choose your focus. The intent to do your best as you move through the day with an open heart and strong self care supports your potential to bring compassion, generosity, or love to your interactions.
Connection. Communication. CommUnity.
Look to those who bring comfort and feel sturdy to you. Connect with others who can engage in conversations that explore without demonizing. Support one another with care and consideration as you process your feelings or concerns.
If you’re in a family, friend group, or work space where folks think very differently than you or are reactive, it might not be the best place to explore your differences. However, when you’re able to have an honest conversation with those who view situations differently than you, seek to understand them.
Bridging divides in perception, opinion, or lifestyle requires openness and a true desire to put yourself in another’s place.
Do your best to become peaceful in your mind, body, and emotions. So your interactions throughout the day broadcast peace. Explore where acceptance, understanding, generosity, and forgiveness may be responses that support, empower, and heal. What you choose to share in today’s unrest really matters in everyday interactions. Don’t underestimate the impact of small ripples. Just make a lot of the positive kind all day long.
As the country becomes polarized, seek to keep your mind and heart open.
