As a mental health clinician, I have been observing the energy in society and the anxiety that some of my clients are experiencing in order to narrow down the source of people’s anxieties. And here is the result… there is a long list of where anxiety is stemming from! Given that the situation that the world is in is very complex, our feelings around the subject are also very complex. And this once again goes to show that everything on this planet from the plants, to humans, to the environment and business…etc are all connected! Reflect on where your nervousness and anxiousness may stem from…
Is it having to create new routines, especially with kids?
Is it keeping your children busy? Or your partners?
Money?
The lack of social relationships (we need human contact as we are a social species)?
Not being able to hug and physically connect with loved ones?
Uncertain of the economy and how that impacts your family?
The fate of humanity or the world?
Needless to say, this is all incredibly overwhelming.
Therefore, the first step whenever anxiousness decides to creep up is to BREATHE. It may seem basic and elementary, however, people forget to breathe. In times of trauma and crisis, it is those people who are able to remain calm, that lead the others to safety. To do that, it is simply to breathe in order to get oxygen to the brain. Big, deep, belly breaths and exhaling for 5-10 seconds.
Next, let’s go beyond the individual and micro-level…and whenever we are faced with difficult challenges and times, we need to ask ourselves “what is this situation trying to teach me?” If we look at the way society was functioning- at a very fast pace, we are suddenly finding ourselves at a complete stand still where there is absolutely no way to know the future or to control the future. Not one person in the entire world can know what the outcomes can be because this world has just realized we are all dependent on each other for the best possible outcome. That may seem scary, but if we see it from a different perspective, we may be able to see that we are exactly how we “should” be. As Jon Kabat-Zinn stated, “We take care of the future best by taking care of the present now.”
Let’s practice being mindful and enjoying the present no matter the chaos around us. Finding the joy in the quiet or being with family, create new routines that give us joy and laughter. This way, when society resumes back to its busy pace, we will have a new perspective about the most important values of life, and we will be able to face challenges with a new and healthy approach. It is through this situation we are learning about the true meaning of life (unity, humanity, health, self-care..etc), and how to stay mindful in the midst of chaos.
