W E L L B E I N G
Getting Grounded in Tumultuous Times By Jennifer Loli, LMSW, LMT
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uring this epic time in history, our lives have been altered forever. Not only has the day-to day routine dramatically shifted, but in times of a crisis, we often have the feeling that we are in quicksand, and soon the earth will devour us in an instant. Emotions, existential questions ruminate, and fear sets in. Suddenly, we begin to question who we are and what the meaning behind all of this is. Not only do we grieve the loss of all of the lives that have been impacted by this pandemic, we grieve our hopes, desires, and plans. At a time like this, it seems inconsequential to grieve that vacation you finally booked for yourself because, you know, people are dying. Perspective is important and so is honoring your own unique story. Your pain is real, your worries are embedded in the uncertainty of this time, and it’s sensible to feel disoriented a bit. Hello, fellow human, I feel you...even though we are more than a healthy 6 feet apart. As dynamic human beings, rituals are important for us to connect to the sacredness of ourselves, the universe, nature, and each other. Rituals can help us redirect our energy and regain our sense of self; finding the compass to our center. The one thing we do have power over right now, is how we show up for ourselves and develop positive coping strategies. Since washing your hands 372 times a day is a prerequisite for survival right now, I invite you to consider this as an act of letting go.
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As you physically lather up your hands, wash away the worries, your long day, and of course, your annoyance with your mate you just spent 21 days with. This 20 second ritual is an opportunity to rid yourself of all that you cannot carry on your mind or heart anymore. Feel the water carry away the frustration from attempting algebra again, bye y = mx +b. Apply a body oil, lotion, or cream of your desire and mindfully massage this into your hands. Massage helps to engage the parasympathetic nervous system which is all about resting and digesting. Something as simple as implementing a few minutes of massage can communicate to your body and mind that it is time to decompress and let go. Turn inward and tune in to how it feels to give yourself love and attention. As you partake in these rituals, breathe. I am not talking about that shallow breath you just took reading these words. Really connect to long deep breaths but you know, 100 feet away from all things Covid-19. Feel the air being drawn in through your nose and deeply into your chest and fill up your abdomen. Long, deep breathing also invites the parasympathetic nervous system to be the guiding force right now. You can place your hand on your abdomen as you feel it expand and retract. As you exhale through your nostrils, allow that breath to extend a bit longer, ridding your body of all things unnecessary. Exhale the grief, disappointment, and shame you may carry. Exhale this collective pain. Inhale and feel yourself expanding your potential for greatness and inner love. After a few minutes, assess how you feel. This is you showing up for yourself.
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