Dip into a pool of peace, at least a few times a day. . .
I’m here racking my brains on how to help us all generate positive feelings, at least for part of the day. Walking with a friend one early morning she shared feelings of overwhelm, anxiety and upset. She was in a pit of despair. After sharing a bit, she tried to heave herself out of that pit of despair up to silver linings. The was too big and unrealistic a step in our current world/news cycle. When the steps are too big we get discouraged, and usually give up on positive feelings. Feeling bad is so tiring and defeating. I offer these 2 tools that might get us up out of the pit of despair and at least one hand into a tiny pool of peace. Even for part of the day, or afternoon, or hour. These ideas are cheap/free. Might not work, BUT have no detrimental side effects.
Mindfulness: Just coming back to the present moment can be an energy source. This is NOT easy, and the more we practice the better we get. When I start thinking about my fear, grief, and anxiety I notice my chest feels tight, I’m living on my tippy toes, my thoughts are all squeezing into that third eye trying to figure it out. When I notice and accept my feelings and I focus on my tight heart, my tense legs, my furrowed brow - I get out of my head and into my body. Once I’m in my body, feeling the sensations I have a better chance of letting them pass. I’ve come to see my emotional life, my kid’s emotional life as a roller coaster. No one gets hurt on a roller coaster if you stay on the ride!
TOOLS:Headspace is a meditation app that is offering free meditations and content. Tara Brach is a meditation teacher who has a beautiful podcast. I hosted a PEP (Parent Encouragement Program) webinar on Mindful Parenting complete with practices to try in the moment.
2. Declutter: As a professional organizer I have seen (and experienced) so many, many, MANY times where releasing our clutter opens up positive energy. Our environment impacts our mental well being, our ability to get tasks done, and cuts down on the nagging kids to clean up. Decluttering is not figuring it all out, or doing a whole home renovation or changing our personality. Decluttering is as simple as looking at your desk, starting on the left side, sorting things to pitch/recycle, doesn’t belong here, needs action and reference. When we are feeling low we can look at a desk, a shelf, a small closet and just start decluttering. Then the rest if the day when we pass that desk, shelf, small closet - just notice if there isn’t a little spring in our step.
TOOLS: Getting started can be the hardest part, check out this quick post on sorting: Sorting 101 Blog, Soul & Wit podcast about Tiny Decluttering Projects (I got my medicine shelf cleaned out in 15 minutes - oh how easy to find a bandaid now).