I struggle to write this. I don’t know if I have advice to give. There is ALOT of bad news swirling around.
So what do we do?
Here is what I keep recommending and what I am personally trying to do.
1- lean into what matters most one step at a time.
I try to keep my routines mostly the same and reduce the doom scrolling-always great advice. I am also being compassionate with myself when I do dive into reading too much and utilize practices like Guided Meditation: The Practice of RAIN with Tara Brach
2- I am also leaning into supporting my people, my community. I am putting energy and dollars when able to support what I believe in. I am checking in with friends and family more, staying connected.
3- I am doing extra self care- rest, nourishing foods, good company, creativity, books, funny shows (currently Abbott Elementary), puzzles, nature-Spring is a time of hope and renewal, listening to and watching birds and critters can be a good meditative practice. A favorite guided relaxation is https://insig.ht/z75ir9VvGRb
4- when I have the time and energy, I use my voice in ways that align with my values. When I do this I try to narrow my focus. We get easily overwhelmed with too many concerns at once and this is not helpful. Try to find something that you can do that feels empowering. Possible ideas, checking in on friends and family, volunteering, or taking political action.
5- I am looking at messages of hope while honoring my fear. We can hold two truths at once. I found these quotes helpful from a book called “The Comfort Book” by Matt Haig: “In troublesome moments, the beauty of life can come into sharper focus…Fear to calm, hope to hopelessness, despair to comfort…We always have the possibility to be more. To be bigger than any crisis or worry…We always have more inside us that we realize. More strength, more warmth, more compassion, more resilience.”
For more ideas see my other post https://www.compassionatecounselingmidmichigan.com/post/radical-self-care-in-trying-times
Finally, seek support, acknowledge your feelings and don’t allow other to tell you how you should feel.
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