Last week was a heavy one to say the least. An election result that shattered a nation and the loss of one of our own beloved musical icons has left many of us with feelings of deep sorrow and despair, as we struggle with an unnerving sense of hopelessness.
So how best to mend these broken hearts, to manage our distress, to continue on at our jobs, fulfill our familial duties, to begin to feel whole again?
At times like these, whether our hearts are heavy with the weight of the world or we are fearfully facing our own personal troubles, it's of utmost importance to connect; connect with each other, connect with the earth, connect with ourselves.
It's easy to feel disconnected in times of great stress. Our fight or flight instinct kicks in, and many of us experience the desire to run and hide in fear, from our painful realities. But although shutting down may provide momentary solace from an immediate pain, in reality closing ourselves off only serves to drive us towards isolation and loneliness, and further from the place of healing that we so desperately need.
At times like these, whether our hearts are heavy with the weight of the world or we are fearfully facing our own personal troubles, it's of utmost importance to connect; connect with each other, connect with the earth, connect with ourselves.
Connect with each other
When the news of the election results first broke I felt inclined to keep to myself, to walk with my head down to avoid showing my sadness. Once I opened up and reached out, I immediately experienced relief. I was relieved to connect with other people who were fumbling through the same state of shock; there was comfort in knowing that I was not alone in my grief.
The path to healing requires us to process our emotions, and connecting with others to safely feel every single one of them is indeed of benefit. Share your words, share your feelings, cry, hug, talk it out. Feel your anger, but do so with the intention to heal not harm. Hold a safe space for others to share, or ask of others to listen. Know that we are not alone in this world, that we are all members of one single human race. Create communal bonds, and strengthen the common energy that binds us.
Share your words, share your feelings, cry, hug, talk it out. Feel your anger, but do so with the intention to heal not harm.
Connect with the earth
Living and breathing on this glorious green earth is perhaps our greatest gift. The energy that the earth provides gives us life; it heals and nourishes. In the face of a serious emotional disconnect, when we are overcome and overwhelmed with unbearable stress, it can be beautifully healing to connect with the earth itself.
Walk in the park and breathe in the crisp fall air. Notice the trees, their branches, the light filtering through the leaves. Admire the bark, it's texture and patterns. Discover nature, breath it in, and be grateful. Yesterday I had the great fortune to greet the dawn listening to the wind rustle through the high tops of the trees, to hear the sound of autumn leaves crunching under my boots, and to watch the sunlight break over the horizon in a beautiful tapestry of pink and orange hazy light. These few moments of simply observing the earth's natural beauty left me feeling settled, soothed.
Even if you can't get out into nature, bring a little nature home; grow a plant, water it, nurture it, watch it sprout, and then softly feel the leaves between your fingers and thumb. It is incredible how much healing energy we can draw in from the natural world by simply setting the intention to connect.
Connect with ourselves
Now more than ever it is important to tune in and nourish our own selves. To be able to safely extend energy outward, it is first necessary to be full on the inside. Listen to what your body is asking for and do what serves YOU best.
Honour yourself by prioritizing all and everything that enriches your life; practice self care, and you will begin to feel whole again.
If you feel tired do your best to rest, eat nourishing healthy food, take a warm bath, drink tea, read an inspiring book. Connect with friends or family, or simply spend time alone. Listen to music and let the music fill your soul. Paint, draw, build, bike, do whatever it is that feeds you, that drives you, that inspires you to get up every morning and live your life to the fullest.
My yoga practice gets me through my toughest moments, and I am grateful for the knowledge that I will always find comfort when I roll out my mat. Your yoga can be anything at all, anything that is mindful, anything that is done with the intention to heal. Honour yourself by prioritizing all and everything that enriches your life; practice self care, and you will begin to feel whole again.
In times of great stress and sorrow, relief and the ability to heal can be found by setting the intention to connect with each other, our earth, ourselves. In doing so we recognize that we are all of one humanity, we honour the idea that we are part of something so much greater, and we commit to respecting our own needs. And so poignantly put, this conscious shift towards powerfully positive energy serves to announce in solidarity and with conviction, "I'm not giving up, and neither should you".
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