Preparing for Life’s Storms
Painting by Tracey Harris
“Dear One, I am suffering. I need your help.”
After - Greed, deceit, lies, discrimination, taking away basic rights — add to that environmental degradation, housing markets, food costs, interest rates, — did you see the headline today in the NY Times? “Government Is Not Covering Up Aliens, Government Says.” One person commented - “all we want is health care.”
In a quest for peace in chaos, the world gets noisier and bumpier. With self-care as a discipline, we best prepare for when the storm comes through. When the flat ocean becomes large swells, and it feels like we might get knocked down, the self-care strategies helps us keep afloat. A daily spiritual practice, creative outlet, healthy food, physical movement and sleep may lay the foundation, but how does one best prepare for crisis and not fall into unhealthy coping strategies? What lessons can be learned from past experiences? I’m practicing for the storm while the ocean is flat. If my practice during a calmer time is deeply engrained and powerful, perhaps I’ll feel less shakable next time I’m met with turbulent waters.
We can’t avoid all of life’s storms - death, lost job, moving, break-ups — life has storms - they will come and they will go -and some are bigger than others and unavoidable. Forest creatures feel the shift - safety alert - and know when it’s coming. Blue Jays were messaging all around my house around then - “What Blue Jays? What is the message?” I had no idea - but maybe just knowing a storm is coming is enough to prepare - even if we don’t know the details. In the literal storm - one may firm up a housing structure, make sure batteries are in flashlight, extra water on-hand and food preparedness. We can take out the list, implementing the strategies as soon as possible. And while learning to lean in to the tough conversation with a family member or situation at work, as Pema wrote, some situations cannot be controlled or facilitated. When a situation is beyond our control - the self-care strategies still hold the same value, because they keep us sturdy as the wind swirls around us and the rain sprays on our faces.
What is your daily spiritual practice? As I wrote in my memoir, my daily kundalini yoga spiritual practice transformed my life - holding me safe as I released emotions and found my inner strength to rise above the dense energies in my life and in my past. Don’t wait for the storm to hit to prepare for it. With preparation and preparedness, chances are better that one can maintain a healthy lifestyle and not self-sabotage.
self-care strategies for aspiring for peace in a chaotic world:
The ones that I turn to in crisis (storm preparation) have a * and are in addition to the daily self-care habits - like a double down.
Fresh, whole foods (I am vegan but suggest purchasing with intention and no animal products from factory farms.)
Alcohol and drug free
Avoid Sugar * (Impacts energy level, mood, gut health, brain etc.)
Water
Make bed, pick up clothing
Daily Yoga, meditation, mantra - preferably pre dawn but any time of day will do.
Noise cancelling headphones (To go inward and listen to mantra)*
Exercise
Sweep Floor
Cat cuddling
Being with friends - reaching out for support
Reaching out to professional for support (I went to police three times during my recent experience of feeling unsafe.)
Cooking
Inspiration (podcasts, books, music)
Respite (naps, quiet) *
Basic care - brush hair, brush teeth, floss, put on a fresh, different outfit, jewelry, haircut.
At a minimum, a multi vitamin - add B complex for energy and others for gut and brain health, as able. See Follow Your Gut Blog for supplement detail.
Clean the space, declutter. Commit to cleaning or decluttering something every day.
Journaling* including dream journaling
Hold emotions like a parent holding a baby (Thich Nhat Hanh writes about this.) Whatever emotions come up, not trying to push them away - but holding them close and loving them dearly.
Break from social media*
Time in Nature*
Therapy
Respite - stay at a friend’s house*
Positive Affirmations - positive energy around oneself, the situation and storm passing and prayer. For example, “I am protected, guided, loved and safe. I am manifesting miracles.”
Laughing*
Crying*
Limiting streaming and scrolling so it doesn’t overshadow other more healing strategies above.
Good books and the “go to” for support in crisis, Pema Chodron’s “When Things Fall Apart” and anything else she has written. , Thich Nat Hanh and other favorites. *
"Letting go gives us freedom, and freedom is the only condition for happiness. If, in our heart, we still cling to anything—anger, anxiety, or possessions—we cannot be free," Thich Nhat Hanh wrote in his book The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching: Transforming Suffering into Peace, Joy, and Liberation and many other books. The beauty of these books is that you can pick them up anytime for review and a fresh commitment to the practice. You can open the books to any page and get something from just one page.
What’s on your list?
The biggest lesson for me this time around is that I am not alone - and neither are you. When in crisis, reach out to a friend, family member, an online forum or a supportive organization, place of worship or other professionals. Many of us endured crisis at a young age and may have had no one to turn to. That’s not true now. My other lesson was to be more careful with whom I allow into my home. When we get through a crisis, a period of reflection can help in looking at what strategies worked, which were self-sabotaging and seeing what other lessons are meant to be learned from the experience - so that it doesn’t repeat itself.
It can also remind us to be there for those that are suffering. Add them to your morning meditation or prayer and let them know you are there for them. “Dear one, I know you are suffering. That’s why I am here for you.” Thich hat Hanh, You are Here
Crises can be teachers - and while we wouldn’t wish it on anyone - we bow to our teachers - ong namo guru deve namo.
Thank you for reading my self-care journal. May we love ourselves and others when in crisis and know we will be okay. Sat nam, Janet
