These are challenging times, and there is much questioning of systems, unearthing flaws in the world, and the way things work. Some people have faced more chaos in the last 10 months than they’ve experienced in their lifetime. What helps me survive through times of challenge – including current circumstances – is working on how to come back into my own self and love (in my own body) versus staying in my mind in a place of fear.
So here are a few of my thoughts on how I go about doing this…
Understand What Is
With the amount of change and the hyperdrive existence we’re currently experiencing, it’s fair to need time to actually absorb what’s going on – to educate myself and understand the current atmosphere and avoid the pitfalls of social media rabbit holes. We need to pay attention to what is happening around us in order to get a sense of what the current situation is, and find our place within it. I’ll ask around for help, talk to reputable sources – those I trust, respect and admire.
Live Through It
Once you know what the situation is for you, sit in it. The pain, the sadness, the anger, the emotions – whatever comes up. The more I’ve ever tried to ignore something, the more it remains hidden beneath the surface, causing all sorts of other issues to spring up in future or to be dealt with at a later date, and often intensified. It’s easy to numb the feelings and find distractions, be it with food, alcohol, drugs, sex, overworking and so on. There are many possibilities here – name your vice. I’ve done a little bit of them all myself over the years. Regardless, spend some time there. It’ll suck for awhile, to be sure, but better now than later so you can move through it.
Acceptance
We are where we are, and the more we fight against that, the longer it will take to accept our current circumstances and move forward. I’m not saying this to suggest that we give up and roll over by any means, rather to truly understand and accept what is happening in the world, providing the ability to make decisions from a solid place versus fight or flight. Once we accept a given situation, we will have more space and energy to use that information to determine what to do next. It’s one of the last steps of the grieving process as well – once you accept, you can look at your situation from a broader, bigger picture context, and from there be objective on your actions.
What Works For You?
Once you’ve accepted a given situation, what are all of the things that help you deal with it? What brings you back to your body and heart, versus spinning around in your mind? For me, it’s my morning routine, movement, being out in nature, playing beach volleyball, and watching the sun set over the ocean while putting my bare feet in the sand. It can include meditation, breathwork, yoga, playing an instrument, drawing, or writing in your journal. Whatever brings you joy and allows you to feel more grounded in yourself. If you’re not sure what activities will help you with this, give a few options a spin until something resonates. Think of all the creative endeavors or activities that you love and inspire you. What stirred you as a child?
Follow Your Intuition
What came up for me several months ago and found its way into my journal, was how life could always be like Burning Man beyond when you’re on the playa for one week each year. Although I’ve never been, last year was going to be my first and I had just finished organizing my RV crew for my camp literally days before the pandemic revealed it’s alternate plans in early March. A close friend brought this up recently, talking about how it’s a great way to live, trusting your intuition and following it day by day – especially in the context of 2020.This was a great reminder of a way of being, continuing to create your life, and it’s also how I’ve attempted to live, especially over this last 18 months. While it is difficult to do, and is definitely a practice, I have found it to be the most rewarding. It’s how I am able to come back to my own self, within what is, to create my life and thrive in my own way, regardless of circumstance.
Summary
To summarize, my thoughts on how to come back to our selves within what is:
- Understand What Is
- Live Through It
- Acceptance
- What Works for You?
- Follow Your Intuition
Now it’s your turn.
What is one activity that you find helps you come back to your self (your body) within whatever situation might be happening around you? What was the last experience that happened that took you away from being grounded? If you aren’t sure what grounds you yet, explore a few different activities that you may find helpful, and try it out next time you find a few moments to carve out personal time.
Thanks for joining me on my journey and I’ll be back again here soon to continue to learn, share, and grow with you!
May we all live a life that shatters the status quo – our own umami journeys.
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