Finding Comfort During Uncertain Times
There’s no doubt about it -- COVID-19 has brought more widespread turmoil into our world than I’ve ever seen. Unless you’re a self-sufficient hermit living an unplugged lifestyle, you can’t get away from the news about what to do, what not to do, the effects, the graphs, the new rules, the fear, anguish, and anxiety.
You’ve been hearing me tell you repeatedly that you are going to bring into your experience the essence of your focus. Now what? You can’t get away from this negativity -- not without burying your head in the sand.
We are essentially living at effect. Something outside of ourselves is determining our circumstances.
if you’re a highly suggestible person like me, watch how much goes in. Of course, you need to be informed, but don’t feed the fear all day long. Exercise restraint around how much you let in.
Recognize that you’re at effect and out of balance. When that happens, there’s tension in the body, begging for some certainty, belonging, safety...for the sense that “everything is going to be okay.”
So comfort is a top priority.
When you’re looking for comfort, be judicious. You want to indulge in an activity that is going to make you feel better on the other side -- not worse!
Some of us have a history of finding comfort in unhealthy ways -- like eating unhealthy foods, smoking, drinking, etc. Those old neural patterns are still there. So watch out for falling into old patterns. Seek comfort from sources that will actually feel good after you’ve indulged in them.
You could…
- Read a book
- Go for a walk
- Journal
- Sneak away from the kids for a couple of minutes to meditate in the bathroom
- Cook something
- Call a friend or family member.
- Practice morning and evening routines. This brings a much needed sense of control and stability.
Another priority is controlling your state, which is something you always have control over. Controlling your state is not a one-and-done practice. It’s something that happens in the moment to help you shift toward positive feelings.
- Use “reject, delete” as a pattern interrupt.
- Play the ABC game. Do this with your kids!
Focus on the now, but try to do it in a way that's going to be resourceful for you in a way that's going to serve you in the long term.
Thanks for listening!
To share your thoughts:
- Leave a note in the comment section below
- Use the “I have a question” button
- Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn
Links from today’s episode:
- Episode 50 -- We learned about controlling the controllables
- Episode 15 -- Stress and letting go
- Episode 24 -- The Power of Words on the Brain
- Episode 3 -- Rewriting Negative Thoughts
To help out the show: