BE HERE NOW. Clear that mind!
Hello dear one,
I hope you are all doing well and keeping healthy in mind, body and spirit. This is unlike anything any of us have lived through, and without self-care, it’s easy to slip into a dark place. Not knowing what’s next- another day at home?? - is daunting and scary. How will we all come back as a society? How will this affect our relationships, finances, and our future day to day life? How will you continue to take care of yourself physically and mentally? The overwhelm is real. The stress is real. The panic is real. There are so many questions. It’s A LOT. But. I urge you to take this day by day and remember that life around you (even in a confined space) is still happening. Since we don’t know what’s next, it won't help to spin about every doomsday scenario (tried it, yeeeahhh… it isn’t helpful). Just try and BE HERE NOW. If you are having a hard time, know that there are so many resources available to you both online and within your community. You are not alone. And remember, THIS TOO SHALL PASS.
One of the most powerful tools for keeping calm and carrying on is getting out of your head. Whether meditation, an activity, or (ahem) movement, take a moment each day to be quiet with your thoughts and free with your mind. I STRUGGLE WITH MY MEDITATION practice (I mean, it’s called practice for a reason right?). I fight urges to live in the future (which is basically anxiety) and I struggle not to live in the past, (which is basically depression). I can honestly say, I am NOT A GREAT MEDITATOR. I am all over the map-- type A again people-- and I can’t help feeling these feelings, but I try different tactics to break out of stress cycles. Hey, you got nothing but time, so see what works for you on any given day. Here are a few different tools you can try to get out of your head if sitting still doesn’t cut it.
Music is a great way to get out of your head. Yesterday I was in one of those like, “OMG, is this real?!?! WHAT IS HAPPENING?!” places, and I played one of my favorite Kundalini mantra songs (WAHE GURU by WHITE SUN). I suddenly felt euphoric inside. By the end of the song, both Ellie and I were belting out the lyrics at the top of our lungs. Yes, it is one of her favorites too- we love mantras in this house. If you like pop music, blast it and sing at the top of your lungs. If you like folk music turn it up. If you are into that emo thing go get it (sometimes sad music is exactly what the doctor ordered! Bonus if you cry- it can be quite cathartic)! If you play an instrument, pull it out. Let the sounds pull you out of your head. Dance, sit still, walk. Music will go with you — and take you— anywhere.
Life, like yoga, is all in the surrender. Take a minute to get out of your head and MOVE. Focus on your breathing. Even just Sun Salutations can help shift your mindset. I promise you will feel better after doing some asanas. This week’s video is a quick yoga flow to get you out of your head. If it helps- do it again and again. In fact, I challenge you to do it every day and see how you feel in a week. If you aren’t into Yoga that’s fine, try another kind of workout until you SWEAT! Talk about endorphins people! I can’t say enough good things about physical activity- I mean I do it for a living!! Find something you love that really gets you moving. Clear that mind, be alive, and burn some C’s while you are at it. Walk or hike- If you can find a hike that isn’t closed ( don’t forget your mask!!), run, dance, try an online workout or find a good IG live to join ( ahemm.. Hiii, I got you. Join me for IG live classes Wednesday at 3 pm and Thursday at 11:30 am), get an APP, just MOVE.
Write. Writing is such a powerful tool ( I mean… in this moment as I write it mildly feels like a therapy session- is that weird? Legal?). Get out of your head and put it on the page! Half the time it may be mindless and serve no purpose and then half the time it may be your golden ticket to sanity. Try and then try again.
Cook, read, draw, knit - do a hobby that you love. I LOVE cooking!! It is truly one of my favorite forms of meditation. I let go of everything and focus on the food and the joy of making something yummy and nourishing for myself and the people I love. Whether it’s putting a puzzle together (a big hit in “shelter in place” land right now…), making a vision board or Marie Kondo-ing, find your bliss and get out of your head.
Try to actually meditate! Find a comfortable and calming space in your home and turn off your devices ( I mean we should ALL UNPLUG when we can- it’s truly amazing and great for your brain). Try to still your mind and focus on your breathing. Listen to the sounds around you. Just be. Even 2 minutes is better than nothing! If you have trouble- like I do, follow your favorite meditation experts online or on social media. Everyone is pitching in with a big dose of love right now. My dear friends @RejuvinatewithNousha and @KelseyJPatel are incredible, and I highly recommend them. There are tons of helpful meditation experts offering their services online daily. And you KNOW there are APPs galore to help too. Try a bunch out and see which you like (most have some sort of free trial). My favorites are State ( you literally watch a circle expand and deflate as your breath IT IS AMAZING!!), Headspace, Insight Timer, Calm, Aura, Buddhify, Simple Habit, and many more.
Sending you all the love, my friends. This too shall pass. Now put your hand on your heart and say to yourself, YOU ARE LOVED. Cause you are. Now go #beyourbestself
xoxo, Amy