What a year and it’s just August. We have heard the phrase new normal so much. SO MUCH. We all want to return to our versions of normal but if we’re being completely honest, we have to consider that may not happen. Accepting a new normal isn’t giving in or giving up. It’s acknowledging the life cycle. It’s acknowledging that having no control over these bigger circumstances doesn’t mean we cannot control our mindset and reaction. Change is innate and an integral part of our human experience. It’s not always pretty and sometimes carries heavy burdens, but it’s very much a part of the life experience. Finding our footing and adapting is how we mindfully move forward.
But How?
Let’s start by understanding the impact of change. Change, both good and bad, causes stress on our bodies. The anticipating. The unknown. The projections. We place a lot of value in planning ahead and being prepared but during these times, preparing isn’t as practical. The uncertainty is deafening.
It’s true: we are creatures of habit and embrace patterns. We value schedules. Everything has changed in such a way that we are, at times, waiting with bated breath for the next big shift. This causes stress on your body, both mentally and physically. Our sleeping habits may change. Old thoughts may resurface. We must recognize our health during this time. An honest self-assessment can help us see where we are struggling. Our reactions to stress aren’t as easily noticed until we sit down and take inventory. Do you find yourself feeling anxious? Essentially looking over your shoulder; waiting for the next ball to drop?
These thoughts are invasive and stop you from living. We never have had full control over the world. We don’t know what each day will bring. That sense of personal control is a big driving force in our lives. What if we, during this season, recognized that we don’t have control over everything and that’s okay. We have daily decisions that we must make but during a crisis, we can release the control over those larger than life issues. We can focus on our daily impact. If that’s overwhelming, we can choose to focus on smaller portions. What do I need to do when I awake? What do I need to do to get through this moment? You have so much inner strength to offer your day. Keep pushing. Keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Okay, Baby Steps. What’s next?
As you work through your days by focusing on what you can control, I challenge you to find moments of gratitude. When moments get overwhelming, find a way to ground yourself in your reality. Place your hand on your heart and take a deep breath. You have just discovered two things to be grateful for: your life and your daily breath. Soak in those deep breaths. You have been given space in the universe to exist. That is a huge moment of thankfulness to experience. You are here and you have a purpose. As you journey through your thoughts, think of those you love. Ponder on items that have brought you this far in your life’s journey. If thoughts begin to challenge you and cause you to question your peace, clear the mental clutter by writing down your thoughts. Your brain focuses in such a unique manner when you write. The pairing of the pen with paper along with your thoughts of gratitude can bring about a wealth of healing. It can restore a sense of hope. If you commit these trinkets of gratitude to a journal, this can create another source for you to seek calm during challenging moments. You are able to revisit your journal on days you find most challenging.
Rooting ourselves has never been more important than now. Finding our calm during the proverbial storm can keep us afloat. I would love to further discuss our collective new normal with you so you can achieve a sense of balance. Please reach out to me should you have any questions or would like for me to start a healing journey with you.
Source: https://www.themarsh.com/2020/03/11/mindfulness-for-embracing-the-new-normal/
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