What do to in times like these?

I'm posting this message because I feel like I need to do something to be helpful, to be of service, in any small way I can. 

Whenever I feel wildly imbalanced and like the weight of what's happening around me is too much, I'm tempted to curl up in a ball, numb out and disconnect, but I've learned over the years, 1) it doesn't work and 2) it only makes things worse.

What does work?  Well, it's my hope that in any small measure, you'll find the words, recommendations and encouragement in today's message to you helpful and tangible. 

I'm offering what I hope is intentional, direct supportive tools that have the power to ease the intense wave of thoughts and emotions we each must be feeling on the wake of mass shootings in the past two weeks at the Thai church in CA, grocery store in Buffalo and elementary school in Uvalde. 

What's happened, well, it's sheer madness.  There is no making sense of it.  It's destabilizing and may be showing up for you as hopelessness, fear, rage, anxiety and more. 

And, yesterday marked 2 years since George Floyd was murdered and yet, hate and racism continue to rage in the US, even more openly endorsed in many ways (especially when endorsed through silence and apathy). 

It's tempting to lose hope, curl up in a ball and give up.  Please don't. 

Or maybe you can't stop reading, listening, talking with others, and watching the news and also doom scrolling social media?  Please, I caution you, reduce the amount of news consumption because more isn't better nor healthy - each time you take in more, you could be re-traumatizing yourself.

Please remember that love and compassion are each person's true nature.  Even the smallest amount of light has the power to drive out darkness!

Please also remember that you're strong, well able and have the resilience to not just get through difficult times, but become stronger as a result. The more kindness, grace and compassion you show yourself will reveal this truth.

Let the tears flow, digest the rage filled anger (punch a pillow; go for outdoor walks, read an uplifting book, write your unfiltered thoughts down then burn it up, etc...) and please please please, don't isolate yourself!! 

Reach out to those in your inner circle who can be with you in your confusion, hurt and fear and if you don't have that person in your life right now, reach out to me by leaving a comment or click here.

Together we're stronger isn't just a catch phrase I use to sound positive.  It's a foundational truth I KNOW like I know the sun rises everyday even if covered by clouds. 

We are not meant to walk this life alone.  We need each other to survive and thrive like we need air in our lungs to breathe.

In times like now, ancient wisdom and modern scientific studies prove it's incredibly helpful to lean even harder into one's daily anchor practices. 

For me, I anchor into meditation, prayer, hydration, sleep and being of service to others. 

What are yours?  Keep it simple and focus on leaning in with consistency - not perfection, but small tiny steps of action. 

These two images - perhaps you could focus on them when you feel overwhelmed?

1) lean into what's within your control, release the rest

2) grounding exercise to reduce anxiety

Print these out or screen shot this and have it within reach.  Use it to frequently pause, read through and practice.

When you feel hopeless, angry or in deep despair, the 5-4-3-2-1 anxiety reducing grounding exercise is truly helpful.  Give it a try and find out first hand. 

My thoughts seem rambling as I write this and not as sequential or connected as I'd like, but that's the best I can do today and that's ok.  I hope you'll give yourself similar grace and compassion however you're handling life these days. 

Lastly, reach out to friends, family and co-workers to ask how they're doing and let them know they're not alone. 

Now more than ever we need to see one another, connect and not isolate.

Together we're stronger!

With love and eternal hope that mankind's best days lie ahead,
Rusti