As I write this, there are reports that Belarus is preparing to enter Ukraine as part of an ongoing invasion initiated by Russia. This is troubling news. Times like this call for a little extra attention to our wellness routines. A well-rounded wellness practice involves developing emotional resilience. This means that we can accept and process complex feelings like fear, guilt and anxiety while allowing room for empathy and self care.
It’s really important to me to use my spiritual practice to be better able to engage with the world, rather than hide from it. If you are reading this, I’m sure you agree. Staying grounded while remaining receptive is the goal.
Start With the Body
During uncertain times, the mind starts to race: “What’s going on?” “Why is this happening?” “This seems crazy!” “Why won’t anyone do anything?” Thinking is a critically important way to process information, but it isn’t the only tool we have available. It is important to take a break from thinking and feel into your present situation. Close your eyes and breathe. What sensations do you feel in your body? Take a second to appreciate that you are safe in that moment. Feel gratitude for that peace. Remember that this feeling is available to you whenever you need it.
Identify and Feel Your Emotions
What are some of the feelings that are coming up for you right now? For me, I feel:
- Deep sadness for the people of Ukraine who are fighting for their homes and their lives.
- Fear for how a conflict like this could spill into consequences for my own life.
- Guilt for worrying about myself at a moment when I am safe and have my basic needs met.
- Disappointment, sadness and anger for the way Europeans have been treating non-Ukrainian refugees.
- Anger at corrupt leaders for throwing the world into chaos for their own selfish ends.
- Gratitude for the peace I am experiencing in my own life and a newfound appreciation for the simple things I’d taken for granted.
- Admiration for the Ukrainian people and how brave and courageous they’ve been.
- Mixed emotions about supporting violence. I don’t like it but I also understand that in times of self defense, it is necessary.
- Uneasiness and suspicion about the origins of violent conflicts like this.
Notice how some of these are “negative” emotions. All emotions deserve to be felt, the “good” and the “bad.” I reject the notion that we have to be all positive all the time. Furthermore, if we limit our capacity to feel by deciding which feelings are worthy of being felt, this cuts us off from greater empathy and emotional growth.
It can feel overwhelming to conjure up intense feelings in your mind/in your body. Especially when there are a lot of varying emotions. Journaling is a great way to organize your feelings and redirect some of the energy behind them, so they don’t feel so overwhelming in your mind/body.
Put Yourself in Your Inner Child’s Shoes
Remember that you probably can’t handle as much stress as you think you can, and that’s ok. You may think you are fine doomscrolling on TikTok and IG. Or that its important to keep checking the news each hour to “stay abreast of current events.” But chances are, you are burning yourself out.
Human Design expert Jenna Zoe made a really insightful remark on IG Stories that resonated with me: adult you can handle more than inner child you. You have to work with your most sensitive parts. Think about how you would feel as a child if someone told you about current events without the context you have now as an adult. Probably pretty scared. And a part of you might be pretty scared right now. Coddle that part of you by avoiding overexposure to anything that is too stressful.
Inner child you probably also likes to have fun! So, as serious as things may feel right now, don’t forget to do the things that make you happy. Joy is an important component of both physical and mental health.
Back to Basics
When things get stressful, I tend to slip up with my routines. All the sudden I’m dehydrated, irritable, and tired. You know what you need to feel good, so make sure you are keeping up with those things. Having a good morning routine has helped me so much. That way, I get the things I need for myself out of the way before attending to everything else.
Check out this post for a refresher on how to show yourself some love.
Emotional Resilience
Unfortunately, there are industries and entities (like *cough* the President of Russia *cough*) that benefit from stirring up fear and uncertainty. Don’t let these emotional terrorists win. Feel your feelings instead of letting your emotions calcify into indifference. Process things as they come up to allow space for compassion.
I hope this helps! Love you all.
