COMFORT IN THE MIDST OF STRESS
In what many are 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 for people who care. Whether from external events and conditions or from a personal encounter, stress is a precursor to sickness.
In addition to all 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.
Whatever is claiming your time and attention and causing stress, there are sources that can quiet the mind and the heart.
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 (Unpublished journal of John Muir, 1938, p. 317
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."
Listen for 20 minutes to Thich Nat Hanh talk about taking care of the habit energy of worrying. Be sure you can give yourself the gift of 20 minutes:
“Our spirit our soul, has the power of healing itself.” 8:23
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
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. Example from Holy Scriptures in the Judaeo-Christian tradition: Psalm 23: “…although I walk through the valley of the shadow.., I fear no evil…”
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 by Meister Eckhart
This was very touching and timely for me as I'm dealing with a tough situation. I needed the moment. I took some advice and went outside to lay on the grass next to my faithful tree, turned my phone off and told him about how grateful I am for the grace given to battle this mountain, and the pure joy and relief I'll feel after overcoming this situation. I came inside. Read it again and cried while journaling my feelings. I'm thankful for the released toxins. I always visualize my cells spitting out these toxins like an army kicking out the bad guys. It works! (I heard cancer doctors teach their patients to do that!) The shower is a good place to do it, and see the toxins run down the drain. Obviously, it touched me deeply with the poetry, practical steps, and a good heart paying it forward! Thank you for your kindness! ♥️🙏🌹🐛🦋
In 2019 a very dear friend and I were debating politics in a phone call. It was mutually very respectful and loving, and I'm so glad it was, because she died very suddenly in her sleep a few weeks later. Our last conversations during that week prior were loving, supportive, and not full of politics or talk of Covid. When she died, all I could think of was how unimportant those politics were to her now. Politics are important of course. I myself have adult children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who will suffer if we lose our democracy. But there's a balance. As a follower of Jesus, I do believe that "this" is not our home. But I also believe we are stewarded to take care of it while we are here. We can't do that if we are wringing our hands and too stressed to even think. Your suggestions are wonderful. Thank you.