When the world spins into chaos
The world in chaos.
The events of the world often highlight the fragility of our systems and our place in the landscape of life. As a woman in business, though, big events might lead you to shut down, question the worth of your work, or try to ignore what's happening and just press on.
Let's take a beat to consider the world at large.
It is important to note that 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.
So whether you are studiously trying to ignore world events or you become consumed with scrolling and then feeling overwhelmed, or even if you're even somewhere in the middle, our collective psyche feels the weight of the suffering in the world.
It can be challenging to choose your response.
It's important to decide what you will do and how you respond. Many people just freeze or collapse into overwhelm. They become obsessed with scrolling and being involved in witnessing what's happening in Europe, however, it could be anything, anywhere - wildfires, floods, storms, human rights violations, injustice... the list is endless, isn't it?
Media continuously bombards us and it is so easy to just get sucked in, to drown yourself in the suffering of the world. For those of you who are sensitive and empathic, you may begin to feel like your work and your voice and your outreach are not enough 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 light and your brilliance and your vision for the work that you do in the world is needed and necessary right now. Now, more than ever, your voice and your power are needed.
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 so long, I wanted to offer you some proven practices and ideas to help you proceed in the face of fear and global disaster.
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 humanness. offer yourself your own care and connection with beloved others.
Take note of what is here for you now. Take time to appreciate and receive the presence of people, comforts, freedoms, resources, and 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, and where I am the sun is shining, 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 sayings from Jon Kabat Zinn who teaches a secular form of Buddhism is full catastrophe living. And I love this because it really invites us to hold the entire experience of life without trying to push one thing or another away.
How are you called to help? When you are present to the fullness of life - the grief, the fear, the uncertainty, and the beauty and the joys of life and the fear - you will know just how to do your part - say your prayers, write to your representatives, build altars, do energy work, meditate, or donate money to the causes that are weighing heavy for you.
Do your work, share your voice, do what is yours to be done in the world. Circumstances will never be perfect. The world will not stop and become perfect. These are the moments when your work, and your wisdom, are even more important to share.
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.
In service to a vision for greater harmony, peace, healing, and joy for all beings.
For all beings.
Thinking of you and all beings human and non-human. Holding a vision for peace, harmony, and freedom that is supported and nourished by your work in the world.