COMFORT IN THE MIDST OF STRESS

* Revised, updated from 21 July 2024

In what many have been calling “harrowing times” where do you go and what do you do to find comfort, a measure of solace and peace?   It has been a stressful few weeks and months for people who care. Whether from external events and conditions or from a personal encounter, stress is a precursor to sickness. We recognize some of the symptoms - headache, fatigue, anxiety, depression, listlessness, loss of appetite and desire, etc.

In addition to the political and global miasma and fallout, life goes on in other dimensions simultaneously.  Someone is struggling with a personal issue such as a serious illness or other health issues.  Someone else is dealing the death of a loved one and the grief that follows.  Someone is trying to manage their family conflicts and disagreements.  Someone else is suffering from job related demands and stress. Someone is feeling pressure to perform and deliver. Someone else is worrying about financial concerns. There are many someones.

If external events are claiming your time and attention and causing stress, there are sources that can quiet the mind and the heart.

1. A walk in the woods, in the mountains,  in a garden, by a river or stream, along a beach - immerse yourself in nature and let the Mother of our creation speak to you.

“In God's wildness lies the hope of the world - the great fresh unblighted, unredeemed wilderness. The galling harness of civilization drops off, and wounds heal ere we are aware.”  (Unpublished journal of John Muir, 1938, p. 317

2. Read some poetry from any one of your favorite poets.  Here’s one by Langston Hughes about Helen Keller written in 1931:  "She, in the dark, found light brighter than many ever see. She, within herself, found loveliness, through the soul's own mastery. and now the world receives from her dower: the message of the strength of inner power."

3. Listen for 20 minutes to Thich Nat Hanh talk about taking care of the habit energy of worrying. Give yourself the gift of 20 minutes I recommend it heartily, just go ahead and do it. Take the time, give the time:

“Our spirit our soul, has the power of healing itself.”  8:23

4. Write down what is bothering you most, no more than 3 concerns, and describe the specific thoughts and feelings associated with each one. You can make this about one or more, being brief, or you can write several pages and see what emerges. “To do writing practice means to deal ultimately with your whole life.” ~ Natalie Goldberg

5. If you have a connection to any kind of faith tradition, regardless of the name or the religion, look for some of the teachings and wisdom that have been recorded and handed down through the ages. Explore the connections with family and friends who, knowing you, may be able to offer support during a stressful time.   Self-care is not selfish.  It is respectful, healthy, and restorative.  Set aside some all-important me time this week.  Make it a priority and be fully present, in the moment of now.  Your time. A gift.  Look for a moment or an event that brings joy and happiness to someone. See the smiles or hear the laughter.  In the midst of your stress, it lightens the load and lifts the spirit.

For Presence

Awaken to the mystery of being here

and enter the quiet immensity of your own presence.

Have joy and peace in the temple of your senses.

Receive encouragement when new frontiers beckon.

Respond to the call of your gift and the courage to follow its path,

Let the flame of anger free you of all falsity.

May warmth of heart keep your presence aflame.

May anxiety never linger about you,

May our outer dignity mirror an inner dignity of soul.

Take time to celebrate the quiet miracles that seek no attention,

Be consoled in the secret symmetry of your soul.

May you experience each day as a sacred gift woven

around the heart of wonder.

            From To Bless the Space Between Us