Embodying & Seeking Joy in Trying Times (w/ Audio)
Finding the time and mental energy to sit down and write for the sake of writing has been a challenge for me these days, but I’m determined to stay the course in spite of these very heavy times. If anything, the heaviness calls me to keep writing.
Here. We. Go.
With the social, political, and environmental detriment taking place in my country (the United States), many issues can occupy the heart in ways that make creativity a significant challenge..if not impossible. Survival mode keeps kicking on and off. But I know true resistance is continuing to create in spite of fear. Resistance is knowing chaos swirls all around us, yet we keep dancing, we allow joy, and we let ourselves fall in love with life; with each other—holding loved ones closer, tighter, and longer. We do all those things anyway. We reach out to friends and family more than ever, and make sure we’re truly there for anyone who may need anything.
Most important—don’t forget yourself. Do far more of what fills you up.
What centers you, and what calms your nervous system? For me, it’s morning light and being outdoors alongside birds, trees, and walking mindfully upon the soil. When I’m making morning tea or coffee, I often play soothing music. No doom scrolling first thing because that’s like tossing a mess of junk food into your system. I write down what I’m thankful for, and also what I’m most hopeful about. Life is always a moment to moment practice. It’s a constant series of decisions. We can decide to place our attention on the small things we CAN do, or fall prey to a sense of fear and hopelessness. The latter leads to nowhere, and I have decided that whatever time I have left on this planet will be spent loving.
Gentleness comes to mind. In a harsh world that keeps becoming harsher, be extra gentle with yourself and one another. Find several times to laugh throughout the day, and spread that around like delicious homemade jelly on toast. Walk lightly in life. Whenever you can, be the upliftment we all need, and when you’re unable to do that remember to seek it.
I’ll be checking-in more often as part of my own personal practice during this time. Some days are marvelous while others are more difficult, but I know I’m not alone. The greatest comfort is having one another. In times of great struggle and devastation, humankind has proven its ability to strengthen and come together again and again with a beauty—to birth great pieces, poetry, stories, art, theatre, music, etc. That seems to be a constant silver lining throughout our history as a species.
Whatever you do, don’t lose hope, and know that your presence on this planet is loved, valued, and needed.
xoxoxo
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