Self-compassion and Community

In this time of change, many people are experiencing trauma or re-triggering of trauma and unsettling uncertainty while the world as we knew it is transitioning to a new reality. We may feel unsure whether it is safe to resume ordinary activities and we grieve for all our losses, personally and nationally and internationally. How do we care for ourselves with compassion and strengthen our resiliency? What parts of our lives do we need to let go of and what ideas are we envisioning and birthing? 

It is essential to practice self-care. 

That might mean resuming a yoga practice or learning yoga for the first time. It might mean becoming uncomfortable with patterns of addiction to distract ourselves and instead learn something that has meaning: a new skill, a new art form or a return to one we once loved and didn't have time for, or new ways to communicate by taking a class. It might mean that we are stuck with the face in the mirror and need to coach ourselves to speak to her or him with love and empathy. "You can do it, you are loved, you have everything you need, trust your inner heart and inner guidance." Maybe we are in silence for long stretches and have the opportunity for reflection on where we have come from and where we want to go. Or maybe we are surrounded by noisy family members: how do we carve out the quiet and solitude we need?

How about your practice of gratitude? 

Where are you using it to raise your vibration? I feel incredibly lucky to be safe and have a place to live, food in the fridge, loved ones close by, books that inspire and books for sheer entertainment, the possibility of new work, and time to contemplate the nature of God. I grieve all that is lost, all those who are suffering, all those trapped either literally in prison cells or mind cages, all that has been destroyed on our Mother Earth. So much pruning to be done, of our attitudes and beliefs and ways of commerce and health care and education and interaction and policing and politics. But grateful each day when the trees blow in the breeze in their green glory and when I recall the beautiful places I have been, even if I may never see them again. 

Wisdom is loving the mistakes we made, a wise old friend once said. How do I love my mistakes and recognize them as lamps in the dark along the way?Take this time, if you can, to eat well, exercise, meditate or practice mindfulness, reach out (virtually) to loved ones, serve your community with your gifts, whether it is marching, petitioning and writing letters, writing poems, sharing uplifting memes as well as hard truths, feeding your family or donating to the food bank, buying books from local bookstores, patronizing Black-owned businesses, comforting a child, calling an elder, showing up in difficult conversations. 

Give yourself a hug.  


Seriously: cross your right arm and place your fingers just under your ribs. Press lightly. Cross the left arm and lay your hand on your right shoulder. Lay your head on your hand and squeeze. You are the light the world is waiting for. Also if you would like a resource for self-reflective writing, my book Heart on the Page: A Portable Writing Workshop is now available at Subtext Books in Saint Paul and you also support a locally owned bookstore! https://subtextbooks.com