Finding Center In Chaos
We are fed chaos at every turn.
Right now, the cascade of world events are highlighting the fragility of our systems and our place in the landscape of life. As a creative, spiritual, and likely empathic woman, though, big events might lead you to shut down, question the meaning of your work during such a time, or try to ignore what's happening and just press on.
Let's take a beat to consider the world at large.
Climate events, political drama, injustice, and war will continue as long as humans live on this planet. And those events seem to be happening with increasing frequency - that feels like an understatement, doesn’t it?
So whether you are studiously trying to ignore world events or you become consumed with scrolling and then feel overwhelmed, or you're even somewhere in the middle, our collective psyche feels the weight of the world’s instability.
It can be challenging to choose your response.
It’s so relatable to just freeze or collapse into overwhelm. It’s so easy to become obsessed with scrolling and witnessing what's happening. It could be anything, anywhere, right? Wildfires, floods, storms, human rights violations, war, injustice... the list is endless, isn't it?
Media continuously bombards us, and it is so easy to get sucked in, to drown yourself in the suffering of the world. For those of you who are sensitive, you may begin to feel as if your work and your voice have no place in the face of what is happening. Or perhaps you feel guilty and ashamed for having the safety and the ability to even do your art or grow your business.
Lovingly, I remind you, this serves no one.
Your vision for the work that you do in the world is needed and necessary right now. Your voice and your power are a balm for those around you. And, we all need to make space for ourselves, the suffering of the world, AND our work.
Practices to navigate the chaos with grace.
As someone who has practiced and taught yoga and meditation for more than 25 years, and as someone who has been a coach for 16 years, I wanted to offer you some of my go-to practices and ideas that might help you navigate life in the face of fear and global disaster.
First, sister, let’s breathe together and feel our feet on the earth. Take some deep breaths and gently put your hands over your heart or on some part of your body. Even better, hug someone you love and let yourself be held. Your nervous system gets activated under stress, so tend your soft animal body. Offer yourself your own care and connection with beloved others. Take time to appreciate and receive the presence of people, comforts, freedoms, resources, and the safety that is available to you in this moment.
Acknowledge what is true. Yes, it's true that uncertain, horrific events are unfolding in the world, and where I am, the sun is shining and spring is coming. You (like me) are most likely warm and safe and loved by many. There is room for grief and fear, and also the pleasures and the goodness of life. One of my favorite phrases from Jon Kabat Zinn, who teaches a secular form of Buddhism, is “full catastrophe living”. I love this because it invites us to hold the entire experience of life without trying to push one thing or another away.
What is yours to do? When you are present to the fullness of life - the grief, the fear, the uncertainty, the beauty and the joys of life - you will know just how to do your part - say your prayers, write to your representatives, build altars, do energy work, meditate, protest, or donate money to the causes that are weighing heavy for you. Remember that you cannot do everything. Pick what is most important to you.
And most important: do your work, share your voice, and do it unapologetically. Circumstances will never be perfect, and the world needs your medicine, even if it feels awkward or messy to share it right now.
Plus one for love: take care of you, sister. Please know yourself and your capacity. Have a media plan (when and what sources you will check, and for how long). Stop doom scrolling and step outside or call a friend. Stay informed, yes, but also leave a lot of room to stay engaged in your own life. Do this for you and for all of those who are hurting.
Holding a vision for peace, harmony, and freedom that is supported and nourished by your work in the world.
If you are navigating this season and longing for a thought partner who can help you tend your work, your money, and your energy with the same care you bring to everything else — consider individual support for yourself.
If something in you is leaning forward, I'd love to connect. Book a 20-minute chat and let’s see if we are a good fit.
