5 Effective Ways to Soothe Ourselves in Difficult Times

Many people have been speaking to me about the difficult feelings they are experiencing. Many have asked me, “What can I do to soothe and calm myself? I’m falling apart!”

True Success invites us to cultivate our personal and social agency, especially in times of difficulty. Rather than fall into despair, I invite you to consider using this framework in support of your wellbeing in the coming months: 

Acknowledge the real feelings that you are having.

It's important to tell the truth - especially to ourselves. When times are tough, it's normal to feel overwhelmed. Once we acknowledge what we are feeling, we can attend to it skillfully. Please do this with a kind attitude - you may be feeling quite raw.

Take time for Rest & Refuge... 

Refuge can be found in friends, prayer, meeting with a mentor, doing therapy, getting outside, doing yoga or meditation, having a cup of tea, or wrapping yourself in a warm blanket. You may even try a little Loving-Kindness, noticing how these phrases support your system…

Change your Consciousness...

Once you've found some solid ground, engage in daily practices that deepen your calm and grounding - ones that will help you to let go of fear and resentment, so you can work with and see the conditions of the world clearly. It’s hard to be effective when we are overwhelmed by painful emotions.

• Take up a regular meditation practice – Use a meditation app or an app such as Calm

• Read books or watch videos that expand your knowledge and understanding of the world - Learn from wise people who understand the current issues in the world.

• Take a class that expands your personal agency. Take a debate class or study racism and anti-racism. Take a bystander course so you know how to effectively use your voice when you witness challenging situations.

• Engage in media that expands your understanding of how to live a healthy life and cultivate healthy emotions.

• Go to therapy to let go of old fears and wounds that limit you in your life, so you can strengthen yourself and your understanding of how to handle stress. 

Connect with Healthy Community...

When you surround yourself with people who support your wellbeing & mental health, it's easier to maintain a positive outlook and get support when we need it.

• Venture out to join community offerings that support your wellbeing - Meet up with friends, go to church, join a book club, go dancing...

• Get outdoors with friends and loved ones regularly. Take a walk, go hiking, run with your dog, or ride your bike. The Great Outdoors clears our mind and soothes our heart.

• Take a break from people who stress you out.

• Avoid social media and online communities that makes you feel tense or sickly.

Engage in Activism...

Studies show that people who do something in times of chaos and trauma, are much less traumatized by the difficulties around them. The movement of doing something actually clears trauma out of our systems. So, help in any way that feels do-able for you. You don't have to save the world, but you can join people who are helping in ways that feel authentic and meaningful to you. 

 For example, you can…

• Volunteer to help. 

• Do small acts of kindness (even for strangers).

• Join a group that advocates for the things you care about.

• Engage in small acts of kindness that support the world

  
  

Acts of loving activism positively change the world for the better.

And finally…

Below is a recording that can help you access the peace of your Essence. Some have told me that they like to listen to it before going to bed, as it serves as a soothing relaxation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGnKpKNcnno

Feel free to share this with friends, and may you be well!✨

Warmly,

Maureen