Moving forward in a crumbling world: finding steadiness on trembling ground
WRITTEN BY AMIRA SHOUMAN
At a time when it seems our society is polarized and can't agree on almost anything, one thing we can agree on is that we're living in unprecedented times. For women of color in particular, it feels as though we have the weight of the world on our shoulders.
All that we Carry
On top of the many obligations we must fulfill, the multiple hats we wear, and the people we support, we're also having to operate at a time where we are watching people who look like us or have similar life experiences as our own, continuously be a target. Injustices are streamed on our phones 24/7, impacting us directly at times, and implicitly at others.
Sure, we still have moments of joy, hope, and fun, however, it's easy to gaslight ourselves believing we aren't strong enough because we're feeling down or have moments of despair.
It can show up in many ways, be it feeling exhausted, distracted, mind buzzing, snappy, or uninterested. Instead of questioning what's wrong with me, what would it be like to bring in some compassionate curiosity to ourselves?
Compassionate Curiosity
Go with me here for a moment, can you be curious about how you are feeling, both in your body and mind this very moment? Can you suspend the analysis of “whys” and take a quick scan of your body, starting with your head, noticing any tension you might be holding. It may be a clenched jaw, hunched over shoulders, or even clenched toes (who knew they could do that?!) As you continue scanning your body, notice areas of tension, ache, heaviness, neutrality, or possibly good. No need to do anything else but just notice with compassion.
The Body is the Ultimate Truth Teller
Even when we don't have the words for what we are feeling, our body has a way of signaling to us what needs attention. This is our body's built-in check engine light. What can we do when we don't have the authority to stop the insanity of the world, or perhaps no energy to do our day-to-day tasks? We can take a moment to tend to ourselves. We all know the saying, you can't pour from an empty cup, and as much as we might cringe at the saying, the shoe fits. We can't be there for others or the needs of our world, if we aren't taking care of ourselves. And in this moment of time, now more than ever, we need to take care of ourselves to have the energy to care for each other.
Going Back to the Basics
At times when it may feel too exhausting to talk it out, too overwhelming to think of a plan, too much of this, that, and the other, it's comforting to go back to our basic needs. Can we increase our water intake or pause for a small break? Can we take a moment for a deep belly breath, a few of them to help feel a bit calmer? Can we walk a little slower noticing with every step how our body is feeling in the moment? Can you reach out to a trusted loved one and have a heartfelt conversation about how you are feeling? These are but small, teeny-tiny steps that we can easily integrate into our day to day lives, working our way up slowly at a pace that feels manageable?
Take Me Away
Something that can be helpful to return to yourself, is imagining you are somewhere else. Your most peaceful place, where you can just be and feel good. If you're up for it, try this with me. Unclench your jaw, roll back your shoulders, close or lower your eyes and imagine a heavy weighted blanket on top of your lap. Imagine your most peaceful place, the beach, for example. Perhaps you're sitting on the sand on an empty beach, in front of the ocean, wrapped in this weighted blanket, smelling the salt water, hearing the waves crashing on the shore, and the sound of seagulls in the far distance. Can you imagine the warm sun on your face, the sand under your toes and the smell of the ocean as you feel cocooned by the weighted blanket. Can you remind yourself, at this singular present moment… “I'm ok.” “I am safe.” “I am at peace.”
In Community
Sometimes it's just a moment-to-moment situation, and that's ok. You don't have to solve everything today. You don't have to feel better all at once. Sometimes healing looks like managing one moment, then the next, then the one after that. And sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is ask for support. We provide social justice therapy.
If you're navigating burnout, grief, or overwhelmed by situations in your life or the state of our world, you are not alone, we’re here for you. It would be an honor to support you, even in the toughest moments.
You deserve care that sees all of you.
We're here when you're ready. Book a free consultation today.