photo by Alexander Jawfox on Unsplash
When I have been feeling affected by information, stimulation, and all that is happening in the world these days, my body experiences it as low energy and my mind can experience it as resignation or lack of motivation, and I can struggle with focus. I can get sucked into the mucky territory of negativity. But I can remember that I sometimes have the opportunity to put my attention toward a lighter way of being. Remember Luke Skywalker flailing in the swamp as Yoda reminds him to focus? He had the option to put his attention towards lifting his heavy X-Wing jet out of this murky swamp or let it sink.
There are occasional days when I am faced with this choice point: to slide into the ancient sludge of despair, anger, and guilt; or instead wield my sword to avoid any inner poison. It is delicate and precarious territory. I’m not talking about denying painful emotions at all. I’m speaking about this moment where I can sense an old familiar pattern that is looking to assert itself, before it takes hold.
When I am successful at stopping an archaic pattern in my psyche, it is because I consciously turn towards a number of luminous enterprises. My warrioress' blade is used wisely when I target the sharp end point towards uplifting activities like meditation, getting outside, and being present. The simple practice of being still, listening, and opening does wonders for my mind and heart. Giving myself space to dissipate compressed edges of thought and belief is essential to my well-being.
Then there is the fastest antidote for calming stressful emotions: getting outside. It’s funny how we tend to ignore classic, simple suggestions like get outside and take a breath of fresh air! “Spending time in nature has been linked to improved attention spans (short and long term), boosts in serotonin (the feel good neurotransmitter) and shows increased activity in the parts of the brain responsible for empathy, emotional stability, and love,” according to author and nature lover Zach Davis. It’s free too!
We’ve all heard it before, but this point also seems to be worth repeating: the simple notion of being present. I’ve noticed that I am most at peace when I am paying attention to what is right in front of me versus dwelling on the past or thinking about the future. Amazing shift happens here! Lightness of being expands. It manifests as the ability to open up to what holds this world in place, respond to life and to trust it. The ability to enjoy is magnified, and the capacity for being of service is accentuated. I am more at peace.
There is no problem with slipping into dark territory. It happens to all of us from time to time. We are human and cannot expect to sail through life without a tough day here and there. When it does overtake me, the best that I can do is to feel it fully in the heart and body, allow it time, space and understanding. And above all, love myself through it.
So the question arises, “Where will you put your most precious attention toward today?”
Just in case you are interested in turning your attention toward lighter ways of being, here are a few ideas and reminders:
* See through the eyes of gratitude instead of what is “wrong”
* Use your Imagination and Wonder about possibilities
* Limit and/or eliminate social media and the news
* Reach out to people that could benefit from your love and attention
* Get out of your head and move your body
* Music, and sound healing through frequencies and binaural beats
* Reiki and other energy work
* Relax the body by getting a massage
* Therapy— here is a list of 50+ kinds of therapy: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/types-of-therapy
Feel free to reach out to me for specific materials related to any of the listed ideas and resources. It would be my joy to support you.