Learning Lessons Amidst the Chaos
This beginning of this year was quite the whirlwind. Typically winter is the time for us to step back, rest, “hibernate” and refuel our bodies. That way, when spring arrives, bursting with new life and growth we have the energy to match the season. This year was a bit different! We put our lives on pause and are figuring out new ways to work, communicate, and experience our lives in a way we never thought possible.
For a lot of us, it also came with many uncomfortable feelings and even some ah-ha moments. So many burn the candle at both ends, and feel like if they take even a second to rest they are lazy, unproductive, no good, etc. This is not what our bodies are meant to do, this is not what life is all about. Our society does a really good job forcing us to be working, moving, hustling at all times. If you don’t have what you want you aren’t trying hard enough. (YUCK!) If you get burned out you are weak, and we have someone else who is better and stronger, who can swoop in and handle this load. (DOUBLE YUCK!)
Let’s collectively take a deep breath in….and out. Focus our attention within — what do you want out of your life? What makes you happy? What isn’t working for you? What do you CHERISH? What do you need to take care of yourself and feel your best? Many people are finding themselves truly relaxing for the first time and thinking they are fatigued or there is something wrong with them — when in reality they just don’t recognize what their body and mind feel like in a relaxed state. That’s scary! Between the constant stress of keeping up with the everyday hustles and the traumas that have accumulated throughout our lives, our nervous systems are fried!
Did you know that trauma physically impacts your body and changes the way it works? Did you know acupuncture can assist your nervous system in regaining balance so it can properly function? Once you soothe the nervous system’s response (or over-response) you are more capable of tackling the many responsibilities you have with more ease and less overwhelm.
Everyone needs breaks and to do the things that fill them up with joy and peace. These things are not indulgences — THEY ARE NECESSITIES! This looks different for everyone - for me they look like frequent epsom salt baths, acupuncture, exploring my creativity in various mediums of art, and taking walks with my husband.
It can be extremely hard to show up for yourself. Many of us have several limiting beliefs that make us feel unworthy of care. YOU ARE WORTHY. YOU DESERVE GOOD THINGS AND TO FEEL GOOD. Now is the time to start digging deep and beginning the work of healing yourself. It won’t always be the easiest journey, but I promise you it is worth it.
Beyond the virus, we are also in the midst of a much needed civil rights movement. A lot of old traumas are being resurfaced in addition to the traumas that are still occurring. On a large scale, there are so many reforms that need to be made in our country and globally. On a small scale, every individual needs to examine how they contribute to the anti-black beliefs that plague us all. We must un-learn harmful beliefs and behaviors in ourselves to collectively bring upon positive change. Facing and healing our own traumas is an integral step in not harming others. Much of our negative actions and habits are reactions to the painful events in our lives that we have tried to push down and ignore. They are always hiding under the surface - dictating much of our everyday lives through our choices and interactions.
Ways we can heal trauma are by finding a therapist, joining support groups, and somatic approaches like EMDR, EFT Tapping, and acupuncture. I suggest finding a mental health professional that can help guide you in finding what works best for you. I highly recommend the work of the Holistic Psychologist, as a way to dip your toe into the waters of exploring your mental health.
Now that we have officially entered summer, which is associated with the fire element in Traditional Chinese Medicine, we are bursting with energy. I hope that this collective pause has inspired you to look into what matters in life and what you want your world to look like. Let us all channel this burst of fiery summer energy into positive changes for ourselves and our communities. You might just fall in love with taking care of yourself (& others)!
*📸 Blcksmth