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We are experiencing very difficult times right now. The pandemic has offered more than enough stress for us in recent months, but now we need to add economic uncertainty and social unrest to the mix.

The peaceful protests are justified if the looting and violence are not. But revolution is just about the only thing that manages to change the status quo, and we are witnessing a kind of revolution right now. The murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis was, perhaps, the final straw.

That said, not everyone is in a position to take to the streets, nor should they. There are other ways to show support and solidarity with a righteous cause.

But all of these events are converging into a type of perfect storm that is causing individuals in our country and across the world an unbearable amount of stress.

The article I refer to in this podcast outlines five ways mindfulness can support educators during a crisis. They include the following:

1. Tuning into your body through your breathing.
2. Focusing on good feelings and thinking about all that you have to be grateful for even in these uncertain and volatile times.
3. Making physical contact with a member of your family who lives with you or cuddling with a pet.
4. Imagine someone who gives you comfort like a parent, a teacher, a mentor, or a friend.
5. Connect with nature. Take a walk or a hike. Feel the sun on your face and the breeze in your hair.

Be gentle with yourself and others. These are tenuous times that we are experiencing. Be present to how you feel. And be safe.

The article to which I referred for strategies for managing stress came from "Navigating Uncertain Times:\xa0 How Schools Can Cope with Coronavirus"\xa0 by Maria Gehl, 4/24/2020.\xa0https://www.edsurge.com/news/2020-04-24-five-ways-mindfulness-can-support-educators-during-a-crisis

The transcript link can be found here:\xa0 https://www.temi.com/editor/t/ENYWtglyeZTdN947c7jqgTJ_9Gxd9n4NNwKKAV8o0sG_mu810xoTaXDVla0Dq8DuSn-TqoXAwDPziUphIVMxv9vQ4k0?loadFrom=SharedLink