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S Jeter's avatar

I would like to share my process in case it might help someone...

A massage therapist once told me - don't forget to breathe and drink water. I always kept that tidbit of advise in the back of my mind. It has become my mantra. Even before I get out of bed, I drink the water put on my bedside table in a thermos cup the night before. Then I spend 15 to 20 min breathing and letting go of the things I cannot control. Then I sent my intention- embracing JOY in every moment. Yesterday I added one more step. I visualize sending healing energy to EVERYONE. Even those terribly misguided souls who's actions are causing this chaos and suffering. And I end with hugging myself and saying "I love you".

I doesn't change what is happening around me but it is easier to not become overwhelmed. I have also found that it has unblocked my freeze response si I can more easily make the phone calls to those "in charge".

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Edith Garcelon's avatar

But your self-compassion DOES change those around you 🫂❤️‍🩹

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S Jeter's avatar

Thank you for reminding me of that.

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Linda Whipker's avatar

Thank you for naming the dissonance instead of contributing to it with this post. The dissonance is real. I have similar cocoon/yell discussions with myself. Moving between being informed/vigilant/doing vs tending to my own safety mask. And then back again. Unwilling to just let this all happen with my head in the sand.

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Rose's avatar

I too feel this way. That cocoon sounds very inviting. My fears are for my grandchildren growing up in this environment and their parents having to navigate it all and keeping them safe. For me I use the breathing technique Monica taught and prayer. My faith is stronger than my fear.

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Susan M Richard's avatar

I feel that fear for my grandchildren too.

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The Therapist Who Came Undone's avatar

This is exactly what I needed to read this morning. This broken world sometimes feels like it is breaking me. I want to do more, but I don't know what to do and I don't know how to do it. Bringing myself back to center is a good place to start. Thank you for your words this morning. As I know you know, you are in a lot of good company.

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Edith Garcelon's avatar

This is the proof of being alive in this broken world. Conflicting energies. My "Word for 2026": BALANCE. A full time job☺️ thank you Monica for naming things for what they are 💪🎯

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kelly collins's avatar

💔

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Thérèse's t-raise you up's avatar

That broken heart says it all.

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Zihna Augustine's avatar

That describes exactly how I feel. Wanting to hide form this crazy world, while feeling I should do something. The anger at the hurt and lies going on. And, trying to hold a place of love within me. The conflict can be unreal at times. Thank you for your inspiring words. Keeps me going one more day!

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Thérèse's t-raise you up's avatar

Keep going, keep standing, keep walking, keep going.

The world needs more people like you. Keep being you.

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Zihna Augustine's avatar

Thank you. I keep working to be more aware.

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Thérèse's t-raise you up's avatar

Your are already aware. You are bathing in awareness.

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Paulette's avatar

I appreciate everyone’s comments. It is helpful and supportive for me to align with kindred hearts. I have just joined this group — so far, so good. Keep breathing and radiating love. 🧡

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Kathy-Musings From the Art Den's avatar

I find help in repetitive tasks, or in cooking... things with a process that I have to follow. It helps me stay grounded and nurturing.

I also find painting, my source for a joy hit, helps too. I put on my G.O.A.T. playlist and sing along to the oldies and newbies that are my favourites. Music makes me feel and depending on what I listen to, my mood often mirrors it.

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Thérèse's t-raise you up's avatar

We need those hits of joy to sustain us more than ever today.

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Kathy-Musings From the Art Den's avatar

You are so right!

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Barbara Snow's avatar

Thank you for your authenticity and the depth of your reflections. You are a gift.

Tx

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Holly Lovegrove's avatar

Amen to this. Strategic retreat is absolutely necessary in such times.

I haven’t had the wherewithal to comment or even read what I normally would, daily. Doing laundry is soothing. Cooking is restorative.

The body and soul cannot be on high alert at all times, though this awful era shouts at us to do so.

I think perhaps a bath, tonight…

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Karen Maisch Gray's avatar

Thank you.

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Thérèse's t-raise you up's avatar

Joy compounds like interest

While sorrow and sadness diminish us over and over and over

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Tam D Matthews's avatar

Last night, I just had a good stiff drink.

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Thérèse's t-raise you up's avatar

Sometimes, we need it. It helps to mellow us.

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Teresa's avatar

Your honest naming of all of this and putting it into clear words when i could not, will be my next addition to my Joy Ledger today.

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Momstheword's avatar

💕

So true Monica. It’s hard to be a witness to what is happening around us without being affected.

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Deb Konrad's avatar

Butter beans and ham, now THAT bought back some memories! Sending out peaceful vibes to all🥰

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Susan M Richard's avatar

Hot homemade soup & Grandma’s homemade bread. Comfort. Yet the news takes me from happy memories to reality. However, it’s those memories that give me a base and a balance and help me face whatever comes next in our world. Soup & bread =Grandma’s strength.

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