The world is pretty intense right now. I was supposed to attend a spiritual retreat this month. A side effect of my strong sense of empathy is that it’s incredibly easy for me to take on Other People’s Stuff, and with all the contention and fear that seems to surround us, there is a lot of Other People’s Stuff to get stuck in. I was really looking forward to meeting up in community to help me recenter and reconnect with Love and how I want to contribute to the world.
Except… the retreat was to be held in Asheville, NC. Even though it’s been more than a month since the hurricane, the devastation is so extensive the organizers chose to move it online.
It’s a lot.
Here in the US, we’re coming up on yet another “unprecedented” election. It is so hard to stay calm and present, but it’s also so important to try. When I’m afraid, I get stuck in my head. I react impulsively, lashing out, getting caught up in arguments I don’t want to have. That’s not who I want to be. That’s not the energy I want to carry inside, let alone give to others.
So what do I do?
I breathe.
It may seem simplistic, but physiology plays a huge role in overwhelm. In fact, while sometimes we may think of something that makes us upset, there are also times when people feel anxious because their neurochemistry is being wonky, and their brains come up with Reasons why they feel that way. (My kids have a saying they use as a self-check: “Does everyone hate me, or do I just need a snack?”)
Physiology is also one of the easiest components of overwhelm to deal with. When I stop and pay attention to my breathing, making sure it’s slow and deep and fills my belly, I can feel it calming everything down. (Conversely, if you’re experiencing a panic attack and hyperventilating, try blowing ALL the air out until your lungs feel completely empty before allowing air back in. It does something to the amount of carbon dioxide your body is processing.)
Another easy way to strengthen resilience is staying hydrated. How much water do you drink over the course of a day? It makes a difference in how you feel. Again, simple, but it can help.
I’d also recommend making sure that you’re getting enough restorative sleep, but, um….
[glances in the mirror, looks sheepish and slightly guilty]
Anyway. Moving right along…. 😁
On the mental/emotional/spiritual side of things, I find journaling helpful in a couple of ways. If I’ve got too many thoughts spinning around my head, getting them out onto paper can make it easier to examine them instead of just going around in circles. What am I actually worried about? What are the odds of it happening? Are there things I can do to reduce the chances of it? If it does happen, what can I do to deal with it in a way that is congruent with who I want to be?
Journaling can also help me reconnect with love and curiosity, reminding me that, for all its challenges and sorrows, Life is also full of joy, wonder, delight and play. Journaling helps me envision what else might be possible, expanding my awareness and increasing my ability to work towards creating that brighter future.
But my #1 most effective tool for dealing with overwhelm is moving my body. Whether it’s dancing to fun music or going for a walk outside, paying attention to the sky and birds and the feel of a breeze, there’s something about physical movement that I find so very rejuvenating.
None of these are panaceas intended to cure all that ails you. Life is way too complex for that. But doing small things can help stop a spiral. What sort of things do you do to bring more life to your Life? Yoga? Singing? Painting? Playing an instrument? Watching cats chase a laser pointer? Yes, things Out There do affect us, but there are things we can do to help us be ourselves, regardless of the external turmoil.
And who you are matters. You’re the only You there is, and that’s beautiful and worthy of care.
Namaste