ASK ALECIA

by Alecia Rice

Q: I’m a hot mess! I need some tools to deal with sheltering in place. What might I do to get through this long, challenging

experience? — Cabin Fever

A: Dear Cabin Fever,

Through the lens of higher consciousness, this is about so much more than catching a virus or sheltering in place. Conscious attention can be placed on the following to mine the internal gems that these circumstances present as higher opportunities for personal evolution. Sometimes this is hard to do because so much energy is spent in survival mode. Yet with each success, we’ll arise from this situation with a sense of self-actualization that will serve us well in the future.

Embody presence: Presence is one thing that we’re being nudged towards, more than virtually anything during this global timeout with no outside distractions. Fear shows us when we’ve lost our presence and strung our thoughts into the future. A sense of presence allows us to respond and meet the needs of others, as well as our own, which is so important right now. With practice, it can evolve into a sanctuary for the mind and nervous system.

Set boundaries: Boundaries are coping mechanisms that set up safe spaces for us. It’s important for us to draw clear, spoken boundaries around what we’re not willing to experience during these stay-at-home times. We need to make sure that these boundaries have “teeth,” or don’t even bother setting them. Without solid repercussions to back them up, they have no power. Without set boundaries, we will continue to be victims of our own circumstances, which builds an inner sense of helplessness and disempowerment.

Serve others: Seeking ways we can be of service to support others to ease their load expands our hearts and our sense of connectedness. It can be as simple as shopping for an elderly neighbor, offering free online support or services for whatever your specialty is, or donating to food pantries that are struggling to meet the needs of the community. Service to others raises us up out of our own concerns and makes this challenging situation better for all of us, because it takes a village.

Triggers and judgment: Many of us are dealing with first chakra survival issues. These issues can trigger us to contract in fear and lean into judgment. Triggers and judgments lie in the conflict between how we think things should be contrasted by how they actually are. When a trigger or judgment arises, we should ask ourselves why this thing bothers us, to trace that strand within ourselves. This highlights the root of our discomfort, which lies within ourselves, not in the other person or circumstances which we have no control over. The Serenity Prayer deals with stepping into this acceptance. This is known as “energy management.”

Face fear: Fear is magnetic and only attracts more of what we don’t want. It makes us uncomfortable, in a subconscious attempt to trigger healing for a greater sense of empowerment and self-mastery. Although uncomfortable, we should sit with and question our fears so we’re no longer being held hostage. Death is one of our greatest fears, which makes it wise to seek out resources— such as Death Cafés—that share philosophies that quell fears around this subject. Making peace with this subject can usher in a sense of freedom.

Forgiveness: The randomness of this virus highlights the fact that none of us are guaranteed tomorrow. This is the time to have those most important conversations around life, death, and love. Forgive and ask for forgiveness to mend those relationships that are broken so you have no regrets. Let people know NOW how much they mean to you.

Embrace the flow: There’s not much that any of us can do to control our circumstances, so it’s important to be flexible and flow with what is. Seek the silver linings instead of reaching back, as new growth comes through the dissolution of patterns. Breaking routines can cause us to feel vulnerable, yet turning our attention towards those insecurities can bring new awareness that can strengthen us. What positives might you find in the breaking of your patterns?

In the end, one of our most important tools is to nurture gratitude for what is, regardless of what isn’t. Someone always has it better or worse than we do. Let’s try our best to remove comparisons by finding ways to sit with a grateful heart. This activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which decreases cortisol bringing about a sense of well-being which can be of great benefit to all of us.

Alecia Rice integrates higher concepts with wisdom to bring forth balance, perspective and clarity. She’s a personal advisor, speaker and gatherer of women. For perspective on life issues, you’re invited to text questions and comments to 681-321-1109. Discussions continue at Ask Alecia on Facebook.