Ask people for a few words to describe how they feel about the world today and you will probably get answers like—frantic, frenetic, dark, chaotic, divisive, and scary. It’s safe to say we’re all feeling it. If you’ve read the book The Fourth Turning you’ll realize we’re going through a deeply transformative cycle that happens every couple of decades. This one feels different than any other most of us have experienced in our lives. This “turning” feels more immediate, more severe than any of us can remember.
“When the world told the caterpillar its life was over, the butterfly objected, “My life has just begun.” ― Matshona Dhliwayo
Humanity, at its core, abhors change and is generally quite fearful of it. Not long ago people were afraid of the railroad, automobiles, airplanes, and even electricity. But, in the end, when we reach the tipping point and realize change is inevitable we tend to adapt fairly well and extremely quickly.
“Stay connected to all that nurtures your Soul, and release into the mystical stormy waters all that has served its place. We are here to be loved and absolutely nothing less. Go ahead and walk into the waters of your Soul knowing that the only certainty in life is in miracles. We are a miracle.” ― Ulonda Faye
I found this meditation technique that’s working wonders to center and calm me, so much so that I wanted to share it with you. It only takes about a minute and is quite powerful and, if done properly, the effects stay with you for hours afterwards.
It’s important to first identify the things that fall inside and outside our realm of control. It’s vital not to be overtaken by fear and anxiety by those things outside of our control for a few reasons: 1.) It’s hazardous to your overall wellbeing (mental and physical health); and 2.) existing too long in this anxious/fearful state of mind tends to draw more chaos and negativity towards you.
If you haven’t done so already, now is an ideal time to develop daily rituals centered around—grounding, connecting with other humans, and healing. Consider incorporating things like yoga, meditation, prayer, reading, relaxing music, tai chi, and nature walks into your daily routine.
Unfortunately when you lead a busy life your personal wellbeing can be the easiest thing to deprioritize at the exact time you need it the most. Staying centered and doing our inner work is infinitely more important than wasting your precious energy on worry.
This song by Bob Marley is one of my favorites and never fails to lighten my mood, lift my spirits, and instantly shift my energy.
Have a wonderful weekend and remember to set aside a few minutes of every day just for you. Take a deep breath, it’ll be alright.
All for now. Thanks for reading.
I've been working on not dwelling on the stuff that I can't control for a while now. The problem is, it then makes me feel like I am putting my head in the sand or ignoring the social injustices that are happening and then I feel a bit guilty about that. Like the current national guard thing. They aren't anywhere near my town, so I shouldn't let it bug me right? That doesn't seem right.
It's good you're working on it! This can be very tricky sometimes. I try to view things like guilt, worry, and anxiety as just the emotions meant to spur us into some kind of action and not something that should be dwelled on for a long time. If I can find a way to take action to help right a wrong or calm an anxiety it makes me feel so much better because I guess, in a way, I've reclaimed my personal power. Sometimes it can help just to write down the words.
Okay, that is good to know. I'm doing my best. My wife still gets worked up about stuff and I tend to just ignore it because I know I can't change it.
It's so difficult right now. There's no shortage of things to be angry or fearful about.
Good afternoon, dear friend @ericvancewalton
I live in Argentina, one of the countries with the greatest political and economic problems in the world. To live here without being affected by things, you need something to balance your emotions, and I've always found in nature the connection needed to avoid ending up stressed by everything we're experiencing.
For more than half of my life, I seek healing in nature. I usually walk barefoot in the grass, hug a tree, and lie in the grass under the shade of a tree. These are things I do to cope with the situation we're experiencing here.
Thank you so much for these tips.
Have a wonderful weekend.
You're welcome! You're a great example of finding ways to balance ourselves through less than ideal situations. Thanks for sharing that. I wish you a wonderful weekend, Luis. Hard to believe another weekend is upon us!
Taking a moment to pause and reconnect with nature serves as a strong reminder of what really counts. I appreciate you sharing your experience.
Of course it's better that we recognize what we can and can't control about our lives, forget the ones we can't control and channel our energy to what we can control. The same goes for past mistakes for which we should just learn important lessons and drop regrets. This is necessary for our mental and emotional well-being. Also worrying about a problem and trying to find a way out of it are two different things. Most people do not realize that.
Actually reading this on my way to yoga. How appropriate. The truth is, the world makes it ridiculously easy to go f-ing mental. It's negative. And too big. We're not meant to work on such a big level, so i think we need things to bring us gack to a more manageable level.
#hive #posh
As I read the comments on this post (I have the habit of reading them to see what people say and not repeat them), I realize that everyone thinks their problems are worse than others’ and that everyone tries, in their own way, to solve them. The interesting thing is that in the world there are people like you and other people who help us pause and ask ourselves where we are going, what we want, and if we feel okay. The idea of reading, meditating, walking, and even writing seems to me to be excellent exercises to release emotions, serving as a valve through which fears, anger, and uncertainties can escape. I always say that what is beyond my control, I should remove from my mind, and I always say I am fine and I am fine. Talking to ourselves works magic. Sending you a big hug, Eric.