Five Ways to Navigate your Way Through Tough Times.

Well, here we are. Entering into June. Every day is a new situation, a new unknown, an unpredicted, unchartered event, a pile of information or just a shocking piece of news. No matter what it is, it is out of our control and that can leave us reeling. How can we manage this? How can we stay strong and healthy and “OK” in the midst of all that is happening?
Here are 5 ways to help navigate your way through these times. 

1. Acceptance. The timeline for external events; covid, a vaccine, getting back to work, traveling, visiting people, getting together, schools reopening, kids getting back to sports and activities and on and on is totally out of our control. We can say, “well that's obvious”, yet deep down we are unsettled by it and feeling out of control. Time to embrace this deeply. External events are out of our control. Totally. Allowing this to sink in, and really appreciating what this means can give us a new freedom that we never had before. It reminds me of what Mahatma Gandhi said, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” Accepting we are here now, no guarantee on the length of time, so we must accept what is.
2. Get involved in something in a way you never have before. Now. The transformation of healthcare, education, racism, politics, the environment, pollution . . . where is your interest? Jump in. Deeper. Do something for that cause. Don’t try to do all of these just pick one that is most important to you. Jump in. You can do it now, from wherever you are. Learn more, research, offer your time, talent etc. to serve a cause through this transformation. Be a helper to the “new” way of being. 
3. Go within. Observe this time of the “perfect storm” for transformation. Globally, socially and culturally. So take this personally. Look within. Spend time on this. This is going to be a marathon not a sprint. So take care of yourself in a much more conscious way. If it is too much, take a day off. Off from whatever you can to reset, reboot and renew yourself. Take a nap, take a walk, take long deep breaths, chant, sing, cry, laugh, be alone, FaceTime friends, whatever allows you to unplug. 
4. Mindfulness. Be mindful. SLOW DOWN. Listen, really listen. Practice sitting and listening. What do you hear? A bird, a leaf blower? A motorcycle, a siren? Practice being totally present. That is all it is to be mindful. Feel the water on your hands when you wash them, breathe in and out, see the color of the trees and the sky. This is a practice. Practice it in everything you do. Even getting food for the kids, watching them play, helping them with school. It will make your heart feel better and trains your brain.
5. Dream. Yes, this may sound weird at this time but dream. Please. Picture how you want it to be going forward. How YOU want to be. How are you willing to be? The equal and opposite of now. Peace, unity, love, joy, happiness. I am willing to be grateful, supportive, empowering, present, alert and compassionate. Dream it. We need that energy put out there. See what is happening, yes, and then see how you want it to be, dream that into being. 

Come to yoga or watch the replay. Connect to yourself. Your inner wisdom, clarity and inner teacher so that you can stay healthy in this time. Hope to see you there. Sending love.

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