11/30/2021
Are you noticing you are more reactive lately? Meaning are you quick to judge others, yell at bad drivers, react to your kids in a not so positive way; are you doom scrolling or consumed by the news as we wait to see what Omicron really means for us? These tips should help you find solid footing in these scary times:
1) The practice of "not knowing" is really important in times like these. What this looks like is whenever you notice your mind running away with thoughts about what the future holds, remind yourself, with compassion and non judgement, that we really cannot know the future. Hold space for yourself by reminding yourself that anticipation is a form of self protection, but sometimes we over compensate.
2) Stay deeply tuned into the present moment. Do as many of your daily tasks as possible with intention and as much of your full attention as you can. Do one thing at a time whenever possible. Move more slowly to install this present moment programming into your muscle memory. Try 15 minutes of slow yoga, hold poses for longer; try to notice where you hold anxiety in your body, and hear the thoughts that you tell yourself about how hard or how uncomfortable it is. Try to release the anxiety using your breath and by changing your thoughts to things like my body is amazing, I'm grateful for my breath, I'm building strength, etc.
3) Move away from our self preservation and individualistic me me me programming and reach out to serve others. Could be in small ways by helping friends and family, or it could be by volunteering for an animal shelter or homeless shelter.
If just thinking about this practice stresses you out or you are already doing too much, then try doing a 10 - 15 minute metta meditation and send wishes of health, safety and joy, or anything else you would like to add here to 1. someone you love 2. someone you have neutral feelings about (like the grocery store clerk) 3. someone you find difficult 4. all beings. Studies have shown that doing metta meditations caused the brains pleasure center to light up in people who later were asked to help someone in need.
I hope this helps you find your way. Sending metta (lovingkindness) out to you all.
